Storage medium storing information processing program, information processing apparatus and information processing method

ABSTRACT

A game apparatus saves, in accordance with an instruction of a user, a photographing image taken by an inward camera or an outward camera, or a handwriting image of a handwritten note inputted using a touch panel. Moreover, in accordance with an instruction of the user, position information is saved together with the photographing image or the handwriting image. That is, a photographing place or a creation place of the handwritten note is registered on a map. When the photographing image or the handwriting image is reproduced, an image of a landmark set near a position on the map indicated by the position information is reproduced before the photographing image or the handwritten image.

CROSS REFERENCE OF RELATED APPLICATION

The disclosure of Japanese Patent Application No. 2009-119473 isincorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

The technology herein relates to a storage medium storing an informationprocessing program, an information processing apparatus, and aninformation processing method, and particularly to a storage mediumstoring an information processing program, an image processingapparatus, and an information processing method, for example, foroutputting an image and information relating to the same.

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY

One example of the related art is disclosed in Japanese PatentApplication Laid-Open No. 2005-6125 [H04 5/91, GO1C 21/00, G08G 1/137,H04N 5/225, H04N 5/765] (Document 1) laid-open on Jan. 6, 2005. In astill-image processing apparatus of Document 1, a user arranges digitalphotographs on a map and registers position information for thephotographs to thereby perform a slide show with the photograph datadisposed in order based on the position information.

Moreover, another example of this kind of related art is disclosed on anInternet site (http://www.microsoft.com/japan/mactopia/column/234.mspx(Experience report of Apple's Eye No. 234-iLife '09×Tips (first part),Strengthen a bond with your family and friend—iPhoto '09 is great as Iexpected!)) (Document 2). In software of Document 2, only registeringpositions on a map as photographing locations of photographs allows aslide show by the registered photograph location.

However, in the still-image processing apparatus disclosed in Document 1and the software disclosed in Document 2, since the photographs arrangedon the map are displayed in the slide show based on the positionsassociated with the photographs, and at this time, only the photographsare sequentially reproduced, where the relevant photograph was taken maynot be recalled. Particularly, when the photograph is taken without anybackground or when the background is too small, it is difficult torecall it.

Therefore, certain example embodiments provide a novel storage mediumstoring an information processing program, information processingapparatus, and information processing method.

Moreover, certain example embodiments provide a storage medium storingan information processing program, an information processing apparatus,and an information processing method, capable of easily reminding a userof where image data was acquired at the time of reproduction of a slideshow.

Certain example embodiments employ the following features in order tosolve the above-described problems. It should be noted that referencenumerals and the supplements inside the parentheses show one example ofa corresponding relationship with the embodiments described later foreasy understanding of the embodiments, and do not limit the presentinvention.

A first aspect of certain example embodiments is a storage mediumstoring an information processing program of an information processingapparatus having a display means, an operation means, and a storagemeans storing a plurality of pieces of landmark information and positioninformation of the respective plurality of pieces of landmarkinformation. The information processing program causes a computer of theinformation processing apparatus to function as an image data taking-inmeans for taking in image data in accordance with an operation of theoperation means, a position information setting means for settingposition information of the image data taken in by the image datataking-in means, a landmark information selecting means for selectingthe landmark information relating to the relevant image data based onthe position information of the image data and the position informationof the respective pieces of landmark information, and a display controlmeans for sequentially displaying the image data and the landmarkinformation selected by the landmark information selecting means in apredetermined order on the display means.

In the first aspect, the information processing apparatus (10) has thedisplay means (16, 18), the operation means (20 a to 20 k, 22), and thestorage means (28, 52, 56) for storing the plurality of pieces oflandmark information and the position information of the respectiveplurality of pieces of landmark information. The information processingprogram causes the computer of this information processing apparatus tofunction as the image data taking-in means (50, S107, S143), theposition information setting means (50, S121, S151), the landmarkinformation selecting means (50, S241, S243, S247, S269, S271), and thedisplay control means (50, S281).

The image data taking-means takes in the image data in accordance withthe operation of the operation means. The position information settingmeans sets the position information of the image data taken in by theimage data taking-in means. The landmark information selecting meansselects the landmark information relating to the relevant image data,based on the position information of the image data and the positioninformation of the respective pieces of landmark information. Thedisplay control means sequentially displays the image data and thelandmark information selected by the landmark information selectingmeans in the predetermined order on the display means.

According to the first aspect, since the landmark information relatingto the image data is selected based on the position information, and theimage data and the selected landmark information are sequentiallydisplayed, the landmark information relating to the image data can beeasily grasped. Accordingly, where the image data was acquired can beeasily recalled.

A second aspect of certain example embodiments depends from the firstaspect, wherein the landmark information selecting means selects therelevant landmark information when a first position indicated by theposition information of the image data and a second position indicatedby the position information of the landmark information are within apredetermined range.

In the second aspect, the landmark information selecting means selectsthe relevant landmark information when the first position indicated bythe position information of the image data and the second positionindicated by the position information of the landmark information arewithin a predetermined range. For example, the landmark information of alandmark within the predetermined range of the first position indicatedby the position information of the image data is selected.

According to the second aspect, since the landmark information of thelandmark within the predetermined range of the position indicated by theposition information of the image data is selected, the landmark can beeasily selected.

A third aspect of certain example embodiments depends from the secondaspect, wherein the landmark information selecting means selects thelandmark information having the position information in which a distancebetween the first position and the second position is the shortest.

In the third aspect, the landmark information selecting means selects,for example, the landmark information having the position information inwhich the distance between the first position and the second position isthe shortest. That is, the landmark information of the closest landmarkto the first position indicated by the position information of the imagedata is selected.

According to the third aspect, since when there are a plurality oflandmarks within the predetermined range of the position indicated bythe position information of the image data, the landmark information ofthe landmark whose distance from the position is the shortest isselected, one landmark can be associated corresponding to the imagedata. Moreover, the landmark existing closest to the image data can begrasped.

A fourth aspect of certain example embodiments depends from any one ofthe first to third aspects, wherein the display control means displaysan image corresponding to the image data after displaying the landmarkinformation.

In the fourth aspect, the display control means displays the imagecorresponding to the image data after displaying the landmarkinformation, for example, an image indicating the landmark.

According to the fourth aspect, since the image corresponding to theimage data is displayed after the landmark information is displayed, aplace where the relevant image was acquired can be easily recalled.

A fifth aspect of certain example embodiments depends from the fourthaspect, wherein when it has already been determined that a firstposition indicated by position information of another image data and asecond position indicated by the position information of the landmarkinformation are within a predetermined range, the display control meansdisplays the image corresponding to the image data after displaying therelevant landmark information.

In the fifth aspect, when the landmark selected based on the positioninformation of the taken-in image data has already been selected basedon the position information of the other image data, the display controlmeans displays the image corresponding to the taken-in image data afterdisplaying the landmark information of the landmark.

According to the fifth aspect, since when the landmark already selectedbased on the position information of the other image data is selected,the image corresponding to the taken-in image data is displayed afterthe landmark information of the landmark is displayed, the landmark andall the image data existing in the vicinity thereof can be grasped in ashort time.

A sixth aspect of certain example embodiments depends from the fourthaspect, wherein when it has already been determined that a firstposition indicated by position information of another image data and asecond position indicated by the position information of the landmarkinformation are within a predetermined range, the display control meansdisplays the image corresponding to the image data after displaying animage corresponding to the relevant another image data.

In the sixth aspect, when the landmark selected based on the positioninformation of the taken-in image data has already been selected basedon the position information of the other image data, the display controlmeans displays the image corresponding to the taken-in image data afterdisplaying the image corresponding to the other image data.

According to the sixth aspect, similar to the fifth aspect, the landmarkand all the image data existing in the vicinity thereof can be graspedin a short time.

A seventh aspect of certain example embodiments depends from the firstaspect, wherein the landmark information selecting means includes afirst selection means for selecting the relevant landmark informationwhen a first position indicated by the position information of the imagedata and a second position indicated by the position information of thelandmark information are within a predetermined range, and a secondselection means for selecting the relevant landmark information when thefirst position indicated by the position information of the image dataand the second position indicated by the position information of thelandmark information are out of the predetermined range, and the displaycontrol means displays the landmark information selected by the firstselection means before the image data, and the landmark informationselected by the second selection means after the image data.

In the seventh aspect, the landmark information selecting means includesthe first selection means (50, S241, S243), and the second selectionmeans (50, S241, S269, S271). The first selection means selects therelevant landmark information when the first position indicated by theposition information of the image data and the second position indicatedby the position information of the landmark information are within thepredetermined range (“YES” in S241), that is, when the distance betweenthe first position and the second position is equal to or less than alength of a radius defining the predetermined range. The secondselection means selects the relevant landmark information when the firstposition indicated by the position information of the image data and thesecond position indicated by the position information of the landmarkinformation are out of the predetermined range (“NO” in S241), that is,when the distance between the first position and the second positionexceeds the length of the above-described radius. The display controlmeans displays the landmark information selected by the first selectionmeans before the image data, and the landmark information selected bythe second selection means after the image data.

According to the seventh aspect, since the landmark information isreproduced before or after the image data depending on whether or notthe position with respect to the image data is within the predeterminedrange, the landmark existing near this image data and the landmarkexisting far from this image data can be distinguished to be grasped.

An eighth aspect of certain example embodiments depends from the firstaspect, wherein the computer is further caused to function as a visitsetting means for setting whether or not each landmark was visited inaccordance with an operation of the operation means, and the landmarkinformation selecting means selects the landmark information of thelandmark with the visit to the relevant landmark set by the visitsetting means.

In the eighth aspect, the information processing program further causesthe computer to function as the visit setting means (50, S181, S185,S187, S189). The landmark information selecting means selects thelandmark information of the landmark with the visit to the relevantlandmark set by the visit setting means (S269, S271).

According to the eighth aspect, since the landmark with the visit to therelevant landmark set is reproduced, the image can be displayed whilereflecting an actual behavior of the user.

A ninth aspect of certain example embodiments depends from the firstaspect, wherein the computer is further caused to function as atime-and-date information setting means for setting time and dateinformation for the image data taken in by the image data taking-inmeans, and the display control means displays an image corresponding tothe image data and the landmark information in an order following thetime and date information.

In the ninth aspect, the information processing program causes thecomputer to function as the time-and-date information setting means (50,S109, S145). The time-and-date information setting means sets the timeand date information for the image data taken in by the image datataking-in means. The display control means displays the imagecorresponding to the image data and the landmark information in theorder following the time and date information. For example, the imagecorresponding to the image data and the selected landmark informationare displayed in order of older time and date or newer time and date.

According to the ninth aspect, since the image corresponding to theimage data and the selected landmark information are displayed inaccordance with the time and date information, the images can bedisplayed in chronological order.

A tenth aspect of certain example embodiments depends from the firstaspect, wherein the computer is further caused to function as a mapdisplay control means for causing the display means to display a map,and the position information setting means sets a position on the mapinstructed in accordance with an operation of the operation means, asthe position information of the image data.

In the tenth aspect, the information processing program further causesthe computer to function as the map display control means (50, S113,S117, S147). Accordingly, the position information setting means setsthe position on the map instructed in accordance with the operation ofthe operation means as the position information of the image data.

According to the tenth aspect, since the position on the displayed mapis simply instructed, the position information can be set easily.

An eleventh aspect of certain example embodiments depends from the firstaspect, wherein the information processing apparatus further includes animaging means, and the image data taking-in means takes in image dataimaged by the imaging means.

In the eleventh aspect, the information processing apparatus furtherincludes the imaging means (32, 34, 50, S99). Accordingly, the imagedata taking-in means takes in the image data imaged by the imaging means(S107).

According to the eleventh aspect, the position information can be set inassociation with the image data of the photographed image, which enablesthe photographing place to be set.

A twelfth aspect of certain example embodiments depends from the firstaspect, wherein the computer is further caused to function as a creationmeans for creating a letter, graphic, or symbol in accordance with anoperation of the operation means, and the image data taking-in meanstakes in image data of the letter, graphic or symbol created by thecreation means.

In the twelfth aspect, the information processing program causes thecomputer to function as the creation means (22, 50, S133, S135). Thiscreation means creates the letter, graphic or symbol in accordance withthe operation of the operation means. For example, a handwritten note ofthe letter, graphic, or symbol or the like is created by the operationof the user. Accordingly, the image data taking-in means takes in theimage data of the letter, graphic or symbol, that is, the handwrittennote created by the creation means (S143).

According to the twelfth aspect, the handwritten note created by theoperation of the user can be taken in as the image data and the positioninformation can be set, which enables a place where the handwritten notewas created to be set.

A thirteenth aspect of certain example embodiments is an informationprocessing apparatus having a display means, an operation means, and astorage means storing a plurality of pieces of landmark information andposition information of the respective plurality of pieces of landmarkinformation, the information processing apparatus including an imagedata taking-in means for taking in image data in accordance with anoperation of the operation means, a position information setting meansfor setting position information of the image data taken in by the imagedata taking-in means, a landmark information selecting means forselecting the landmark information relating to the relevant image databased on the position information of the image data and the positioninformation of the respective pieces of landmark information, and adisplay control means for sequentially displaying the image data and thelandmark information selected by the landmark information selectingmeans in a predetermined order on the display means.

In the thirteenth aspect, similar to the first aspect, where the imagedata was acquired can be easily recalled.

A fourteenth aspect of certain example embodiments is an informationprocessing method of an information processing apparatus having adisplay means, an operation means, and a storage means storing aplurality of pieces of landmark information and position information ofthe respective plurality of pieces of landmark information, the methodincluding the steps of: (a) taking in image data in accordance with anoperation of the operation means, (b) setting position information ofthe image data taken in by the step (a), (c) selecting the landmarkinformation relating to the relevant image data based on the positioninformation of the image data and the position information of therespective pieces of landmark information, and (d) sequentiallydisplaying the image data and the landmark information selected by thestep (c) in a predetermined order on the display means.

In the fourteenth aspect, similar to the first aspect, where the imagedata was acquired can be easily recalled.

The above described objects and other objects, features, and advantagesof certain example embodiments will become more apparent from thefollowing detailed description of preferred embodiments when taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an illustrative view showing one embodiment of an appearanceconfiguration of a game apparatus;

FIG. 2 is an illustrative view showing a top view and a left side viewin a state where the game apparatus shown in FIG. 1 is folded;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an electric configuration of the gameapparatus shown in FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 4 is an illustrative view showing a use example of the gameapparatus shown in FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 5 is an illustrative view showing an example of a top menu screendisplayed on a first LCD and a second LCD shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is an illustrative view showing an example of a traveling toolscreen displayed on the first LCD and the second LCD shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is an illustrative view showing an example of a region selectionscreen displayed on the first LCD and the second LCD shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 8 is an illustrative view showing an example of a detailed mapscreen displayed on the first LCD and the second LCD shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 9 is an illustrative view showing an example of a landmark detailscreen displayed on the first LCD and the second LCD shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 10 is an illustrative view showing an example of a handwritingscreen displayed on the first LCD and the second LCD shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 11 is an illustrative view showing an example of a photographingscreen displayed on the first LCD and the second LCD shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 12 is an illustrative view showing an example of a journey noteattaching screen displayed on the first LCD and the second LCD shown inFIG. 4;

FIG. 13 is an illustrative view showing an example of a journey notebrowsing screen (handwriting) displayed on the first LCD and the secondLCD shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 14 is an illustrative view showing an example of a journey notebrowsing screen (photographing image) displayed on the first LCD and thesecond LCD shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 15 is an illustrative view showing an example of amemory-of-journey screen displayed on the first LCD and the second LCDshown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 16 is an illustrative view showing an example of a slidereproduction screen displayed on the first LCD and the second LCD shownin FIG. 4;

FIG. 17 is an illustrative view showing an example of a reproductionlist created at the time of slide reproduction;

FIG. 18 is an illustrative view showing an example of a memory map of amain memory shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 19 is an illustrative view showing detailed contents of landmarkdata and journey note data shown in FIG. 18;

FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing a part of overall processing of a CPUshown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 21 is a flowchart of a second part of the overall processing of theCPU shown in FIG. 3, following FIG. 20;

FIG. 22 is a flowchart of a third part of the overall processing of theCPU shown in FIG. 3, following FIG. 21;

FIG. 23 is a flowchart of a fourth part of the overall processing of theCPU shown in FIG. 3, following FIG. 22;

FIG. 24 is a flowchart of a fifth part of the overall processing of theCPU shown in FIG. 3, following FIG. 20;

FIG. 25 is a flowchart of a sixth part of the overall processing of theCPU shown in FIG. 3, following FIG. 20;

FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing a part of photographing processing of theCPU shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing another part of the photographingprocessing of the CPU shown in FIG. 3, following FIG. 26;

FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing a part of handwritten-note creatingprocessing of the CPU shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 29 is a flowchart showing another part of the handwritten-notecreating processing of the CPU shown in FIG. 3, following FIG. 28;

FIG. 30 is a flowchart showing landmark display processing of the CPUshown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 31 is a flowchart showing a part of reproduction processing of aslide show of the CPU shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 32 is a flowchart of a second part of the reproduction processingof the slide show of the CPU shown in FIG. 3, following FIG. 31;

FIG. 33 is a flowchart of a third part of the reproduction processing ofthe slide show of the CPU shown in FIG. 3, following FIG. 32;

FIG. 34 is a flowchart of a fourth part of the reproduction processingof the slide show of the CPU shown in FIG. 3, following FIG. 31; and

FIG. 35 is a flowchart of a fifth part of the reproduction processing ofthe slide show of the CPU shown in FIG. 3, following FIG. 34.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to FIG. 1, a game apparatus 10 of one embodiment includes anupper housing 12 and a lower housing 14, and the upper housing 12 andthe lower housing 14 are connected with each other so as to be opened orclosed (foldable). In FIG. 1 example, the upper housing 12 and the lowerhousing 14 are constructed in the form of a horizontally longrectangular plate, and are rotatably connected with each other at thelong sides of both of the housings. That is, the game apparatus 10 ofthis embodiment is a folding hand-held game apparatus, and in FIG. 1,the game apparatus 10 is shown in an opened state (in an open state).The game apparatus 10 is constructed such a size that the user can holdwith both of the hands or one hand even in the open state.

Generally, the user uses the game apparatus 10 in the open state.Furthermore, the user keeps the game apparatus 10 in a close state whennot using the game apparatus 10. Here, the game apparatus 10 canmaintain an opening and closing angle formed between the upper housing12 and the lower housing 14 at an arbitrary angle between the closestate and open state by a friction force, etc. exerted at the connectedportion as well as the aforementioned close state and open state. Thatis, the upper housing 12 can be fixed with respect to the lower housing14 at an arbitrary angle.

Additionally, the game apparatus 10 is mounted with a camera (32, 34)described later, functioning as an imaging device, such asimaging(photographing) an image with the camera (32, 34), displaying thephotographing image on the screen, and saving the photographing imagedata.

As shown in FIG. 1, the upper housing 12 is provided with a first LCD16, and the lower housing 14 is provided with a second LCD 18. The firstLCD 16 and the second LCD 18 take a horizontally-long shape, and arearranged such that the directions of the long sides thereof arecoincident with the long sides of the upper housing 12 and the lowerhousing 14. For example, resolutions of the first LCD 16 and the secondLCD 18 are set to 256 (horizontal)×192 (vertical) pixels (dots).

In addition, although an LCD is utilized as a display in thisembodiment, an EL (Electronic Luminescence) display, a plasmaticdisplay, etc. may be used in place of the LCD. Furthermore, the gameapparatus 10 can utilize a display with an arbitrary resolution.

As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the lower housing 14 is provided withrespective operation buttons 20 a-20 k as an input device. Out of therespective operation buttons 20 a-20 k, the direction input button 20 a,the operation button 20 b, the operation button 20 c, the operationbutton 20 d, the operation button 20 e, the power button 20 f, the startbutton 20 g, and the select button 20 h are provided on the surface(inward surface) to which the second LCD 18 of the lower housing 14 isset. More specifically, the direction input button 20 a and the powerbutton 20 f are arranged at the left of the second LCD 18, and theoperation buttons 20 b-20 e, 20 g and 20 h are arranged at the right ofthe second LCD 18. Furthermore, when the upper housing 12 and the lowerhousing 14 are folded, the operation buttons 20 a-20 h are enclosedwithin the game apparatus 10.

The direction input button (cross key) 20 a functions as a digitaljoystick, and is used for instructing a moving direction of a playerobject, moving a cursor, and so forth. Each operation buttons 20 b-20 eis a push button, and is used for causing the player object to make anarbitrary action, executing a decision and cancellation, and so forth.The power button 20 f is a push button, and is used for turning on oroff the main power supply of the game apparatus 10. The start button 20g is a push button, and is used for temporarily stopping (pausing),starting (restarting) a game, and so forth. The select button 20 h is apush button, and is used for a game mode selection, a menu selection,etc.

Although operation buttons 20 i-20 k are omitted in FIG. 1, as shown inFIG. 2 (A), the operation button (L button) 20 i is provided at the leftcorner of the upper side surface of the lower housing 14, and theoperation button (R button) 20 j is provided at the right corner of theupper side surface of the lower housing 14. Furthermore, as shown inFIG. 2 (B), the volume button 20 k is provided on the left side surfaceof the lower housing 14.

FIG. 2 (A) is an illustrative view of the game apparatus 10 in a foldedmanner as seen from a top surface (upper housing 12). FIG. 2 (B) is anillustrative view of the game apparatus 10 in a folded manner when seenfrom a left side surface.

The L button 20 i and the R button 20 j are push buttons, and can beused for similar operations to those of the operation buttons 20 b-20 e,and can be used as subsidiary operations of these operation buttons 20b-20 e. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the L button 20 i and the Rbutton 20 j can be also used for an operation of a photographinginstruction (shutter operation). The volume button 20 k is made up oftwo push buttons, and is utilized for adjusting the volume of the soundoutput from two speakers (right speaker and left speaker) not shown. Inthis embodiment, the volume button 20 k is provided with an operatingportion including two push portions, and the aforementioned push buttonsare provided by being brought into correspondence with the respectivepush portions. Thus, when the one push portion is pushed, the volume ismade high, and when the other push portion is pushed, the volume is madelow. For example, when the push portion is hold down, the volume isgradually made high, or the volume is gradually made low.

Returning to FIG. 1, the game apparatus 10 is provided with a touchpanel 22 as an input device separate from the operation buttons 20 a-20k. The touch panel 22 is attached so as to cover the screen of thesecond LCD 18. In this embodiment, a touch panel of a resistance filmsystem is used as the touch panel 22, for example. However, the touchpanel 22 can employ an arbitrary push-type touch panel without beingrestricted to the resistance film system. Furthermore, in thisembodiment, as the touch panel 22, a touch panel having the sameresolution (detection accuracy) as the resolution of the second LCD 18,for example, is utilized. However, the resolution of the touch panel 22and the resolution of the second LCD 18 are not necessarily coincidentwith each other.

Additionally, at the right side surface of the lower housing 14, aloading slot (represented by a dashed line shown in FIG. 1) is provided.The loading slot can house a touch pen 24 to be utilized for performingan operation on the touch panel 22. Generally, an input with respect tothe touch panel 22 is performed with the touch pen 24, but it may beperformed with a finger of the user beyond the touch pen 24.Accordingly, in a case that the touch pen 24 is not to be utilized, theloading slot for the touch pen 24 and the housing portion need not to beprovided.

Moreover, on the right side surface of the lower housing 14, a loadingslot for housing a memory card 26 (represented by a chain double-dashedline in FIG. 1) is provided. At the inside of the loading slot, aconnector (not illustrated) for electrically connecting the gameapparatus 10 and the memory card 26 is provided. The memory card 26 isan SD card, for example, and detachably attached to the connector. Thismemory card 26 is used for storing (saving) an image imaged by the gameapparatus 10, and reading the image generated (imaged) or stored byanother apparatus in the game apparatus 10.

In addition, on the upper side surface of the lower housing 14, aloading slot (represented by an alternate long and short dash lineFIG. 1) for housing a memory card 28 is provided. The inside of theloading slot, a connector (not illustrated) for electrically connectingthe game apparatus 10 and the memory card 28 is provided. The memorycard 28 is a recording medium of recording a information processingprogram and necessary data, and is detachably attached to the loadingslot provided to the lower housing 14.

At the left end of the connected portion (hinge) between the upperhousing 12 and the lower housing 14, an indicator 30 is provided. Theindicator 30 is made up of three LEDs 30 a, 30 b, 30 c. Here, the gameapparatus 10 can make a wireless communication with another appliance,and the first LED 30 a lights up when a wireless communication with theappliance is established. The second LED 30 b lights up while the gameapparatus 10 is recharged. The third LED 30 c lights up when the mainpower supply of the game apparatus 10 is turned on. Thus, by theindicator 30 (LEDs 30 a-30 c), it is possible to inform the user of acommunication-established state, a charge state, and a main power supplyon/off state of the game apparatus 10.

As described above, the upper housing 12 is provided with the first LCD16. In this embodiment, the touch panel 22 is set so as to cover thesecond LCD 18, but the touch panel 22 may be set so as to cover thefirst LCD 16. Alternatively, two touch panels 22 may be set so as tocover the first LCD 16 and the second LCD 18. For example, on the secondLCD 18, an operation explanatory screen for teaching the user how therespective operation buttons 20 a-20 k and the touch panel 22 work orhow to operate them, and a game screen are displayed.

Additionally, the upper housing 12 is provided with the two cameras(inward camera 32 and outward camera 34). As shown in FIG. 1, the inwardcamera 32 is attached in the vicinity of the connected portion betweenthe upper housing 12 and the lower housing 14 and on the surface towhich the first LCD 16 is provided such that the display surface of thefirst LCD 16 and the imaging surface are in parallel with each other orare leveled off. On the other hand, the outward camera 34 is attached tothe surface being opposed to the surface to which the inward camera 32is provided as shown in FIG. 2 (A), that is, on the outer surface of theupper housing 12 (the surface turns to the outside when the gameapparatus 10 is in a close state, and on the back surface of the upperhousing 12 shown in FIG. 1). Here, in FIG. 1, the outward camera 34 isshown by a dashed line.

Accordingly, the inward camera 32 can image a direction to which theinner surface of the upper housing 12 is turned, and the outward camera34 can image a direction opposite to the photographing image of theinward camera 32, that is, can image a direction to which the outersurface of the upper housing 12 is turned. Thus, in this embodiment, thetwo cameras 32, 34 are provided such that the photographing images ofthe inward camera 32 and the outward camera 34 are the oppositedirection with each other. For example, the user holding the gameapparatus 10 can image a landscape (including the user, for example) asthe user is seen from the game apparatus 10 with the inward camera 32,and can image a landscape as the direction opposite to the user is seenfrom the game apparatus 10 with the outward camera 34.

Additionally, on the internal surface near the aforementioned connectedportion, a microphone 84 (see FIG. 3) is housed as a voice input device.Then, on the internal surface near the aforementioned connected portion,a through hole 36 for the microphone 84 is formed so as to detect asound outside the game apparatus 10. The position of housing themicrophone 84 and the position of the through hole 36 for the microphone84 are not necessarily on the aforementioned connected portion, and themicrophone 84 may be housed in the lower housing 14, and the throughhole 36 for the microphone 84 may be provided to the lower housing 14 incorrespondence with the housing position of the microphone 84.

Furthermore, on the outer surface of the upper housing 12, in thevicinity of the outward camera 34, a fourth LED 38 (dashed line inFIG. 1) is attached. The fourth LED 38 lights up at a time when animaging is made with the inward camera 32 or the outward camera 34(shutter button is pushed). Furthermore, in a case that a motion imageis imaged with the inward camera 32 or the outward camera 34, the fourthLED 38 continues to light up during the imaging. That is, by making thefourth LED 38 light up, it is possible to inform an object to be imagedor his or her surrounding that an imaging with the game apparatus 10 ismade (is being made).

Moreover, the upper housing 12 is formed with a sound release hole 40 onboth sides of the first LCD 16. The above-described speaker is housed ata position corresponding to the sound release hole 40 inside the upperhousing 12. The sound release hole 40 is a through hole for releasingthe sound from the speaker to the outside of the game apparatus 10.

As described above, the upper housing 12 is provided with the inwardcamera 32 and the outward camera 34 which are constituted to image animage and the first LCD 16 as a display means for mainly displaying thephotographing image and a game screen. On the other hand, the lowerhousing 14 is provided with the input device (operation button 20 (20a-20 k) and the touch panel 22) for performing an operation input to thegame apparatus 10 and the second LCD 18 as a display means fordisplaying an operation explanatory screen and a game screen.Accordingly, the game apparatus 10 has two screens (16, 18) and twokinds of operating portions (20, 22).

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an electric configuration of the gameapparatus 10 of this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, the game apparatus10 includes a CPU 50, a main memory 52, a memory controlling circuit 54,a memory for saved data 56, a memory for preset data 58, a memory cardinterface (memory card I/F) 60, a memory card I/F 62, a wirelesscommunication module 64, a local communication module 66, a real-timeclock (RTC) 68, a power supply circuit 70, and an interface circuit (I/Fcircuit) 72, a first GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) 74, a second GPU 76,a first VRAM (Video RAM) 78, a second VRAM 80, an LCD controller 82,etc. These electronic components (circuit components) are mounted on anelectronic circuit board, and housed in the lower housing 14 (or theupper housing 12 may also be appropriate).

The CPU 50 is an information processing means for executing apredetermined program. In this embodiment, the predetermined program isstored in a memory (memory for saved data 56, for example) within thegame apparatus 10 and the memory card 26 and/or 28, and the CPU 50executes information processing described later by executing thepredetermined program.

Here, the program to be executed by the CPU 50 may be previously storedin the memory within the game apparatus 10, acquired from the memorycard 26 and/or 28, and acquired from another appliance by communicatingwith this another appliance.

The CPU 50 is connected with the main memory 52, the memory controllingcircuit 54, and the memory for preset data 58. The memory controllingcircuit 54 is connected with the memory for saved data 56. The mainmemory 52 is a storage means to be utilized as a work area and a bufferarea of the CPU 50. That is, the main memory 52 stores (temporarilystores) various data to be utilized in the aforementioned gameprocessing, and stores a program from the outside (memory cards 26 and28, and another appliance). In this embodiment, as main memory 52, aPSRAM (Pseudo-SRAM) is used, for example. The memory for saved data 56is a storage means for storing (saving) a program to be executed by theCPU 50, data of an image imaged by the inward camera 32 and the outwardcamera 34, etc. The memory for saved data 56 is constructed by anonvolatile storage medium, and can utilize a NAND type flash memory,for example. The memory controlling circuit 54 controls reading andwriting from and to the memory for saved data 56 according to aninstruction from the CPU 50. The memory for preset data 58 is a storagemeans for storing data (preset data), such as various parameters, etc.which are previously set in the game apparatus 10. As a memory forpreset data 58, a flash memory to be connected to the CPU 50 through anSPI (Serial Peripheral Interface) bus can be used.

Both of the memory card I/Fs 60 and 62 are connected to the CPU 50. Thememory card I/F 60 performs reading and writing data from and to thememory card 26 attached to the connector according to an instructionform the CPU 50. Furthermore, the memory card I/F 62 performs readingand writing data from and to the memory card 28 attached to theconnector according to an instruction form the CPU 50. In thisembodiment, image data corresponding to the image imaged by the inwardcamera 32 and the outward camera 34 and image data received by otherdevices are written to the memory card 26, and the image data stored inthe memory card 26 is read from the memory card 26 and stored in thememory for saved data 56, and sent to other devices. Furthermore, thevarious programs stored in the memory card 28 is read by the CPU 50 soas to be executed.

Here, the information processing program such as a game program or thelike is not only supplied to the game apparatus 10 through the externalstorage medium, such as a memory card 28, etc. but also is supplied tothe game apparatus 10 through a wired or a wireless communication line.In addition, the game program may be recorded in advance in anonvolatile storage device inside the game apparatus 10. Additionally,as an information storage medium of storing the game program, an opticaldisk storage medium, such as a CD-ROM, a DVD, or the like may beappropriate beyond the aforementioned nonvolatile storage device.

The wireless communication module 64 has a function of connecting to awireless LAN according to an IEEE802.11.b/g standard-based system, forexample. The local communication module 66 has a function of performinga wireless communication with the same types of the game apparatuses bya predetermined communication system. The wireless communication module64 and the local communication module 66 are connected to the CPU 50.The CPU 50 can receive and send data over the Internet with otherappliances by means of the wireless communication module 64, and canreceive and send data with the same types of other game apparatuses bymeans of the local communication module 66.

Furthermore, the CPU 50 is connected with the RTC 68 and the powersupply circuit 70. The RTC 68 counts a time to output the same to theCPU 50. For example, the CPU 50 can calculate a current time (date),etc. on the basis of the time counted by the RTC 68. The power supplycircuit 70 controls power supplied from the power supply (typically, abattery accommodated in the lower housing 14) included in the gameapparatus 10, and supplies the power to the respective circuitcomponents within the game apparatus 10.

Also, the game apparatus 10 includes the microphone 84 and an amplifier86. Both of the microphone 84 and the amplifier 86 are connected to theI/F circuit 72. The microphone 84 detects a voice and a sound (clap andhandclap, etc.) of the user produced or generated toward the gameapparatus 10, and outputs a sound signal indicating the voice or thesound to the I/F circuit 72. The amplifier 86 amplifies the sound signalapplied from the I/F circuit 72, and applies the amplified signal to thespeaker (not illustrated). The I/F circuit 72 is connected to the CPU50.

The touch panel 22 is connected to the I/F circuit 72. The I/F circuit72 includes a sound controlling circuit for controlling the microphone84 and the amplifier 86 (speaker), and a touch panel controlling circuitfor controlling the touch panel 22. The sound controlling circuitperforms an A/D conversion and a D/A conversion on a sound signal, orconverts a sound signal into sound data in a predetermined format. Thetouch panel controlling circuit generates touch position data in apredetermined format on the basis of a signal from the touch panel 22and outputs the same to the CPU 50. For example, touch position data isdata indicating coordinates of a position where an input is performed onan input surface of the touch panel 22.

Additionally, the touch panel controlling circuit performs reading of asignal from the touch panel 22 and generation of the touch position dataper each predetermined time. By fetching the touch position data via theI/F circuit 72, the CPU 50 can know the position on the touch panel 22where the input is made.

The operation button 20 is made up of the aforementioned respectiveoperation buttons 20 a-20 k, and connected to the CPU 50. The operationdata indicating a input state (whether or not to be pushed) with respectto each of the operation buttons 20 a-20 k is output from the operationbutton 20 to the CPU 50. The CPU 50 acquires the operation data from theoperation button 20, and executes processing according to the acquiredoperation data.

Both of the inward camera 32 and the outward camera 34 are connected tothe CPU 50. The inward camera 32 and the outward camera 34 take imagesaccording to an instruction from the CPU 50, and output image datacorresponding to the photographing images to the CPU 50. In thisembodiment, the CPU 50 issues an photographing instruction to any one ofthe inward camera 32 and the outward camera 34 while the camera (32, 34)which has received the photographing instruction takes an image andsends the image data to the CPU 50.

The first GPU 74 is connected with the first VRAM 78, and the second GPU76 is connected with the second VRAM 80. The first GPU 74 generates afirst display image on the basis of data for generating the displayimage stored in the main memory 52 according to an instruction from theCPU 50, and renders the same in the first VRAM 78. The second GPU 76similarly generates a second display image according to an instructionform the CPU 50, and renders the same in the second VRAM 80. The firstVRAM 78 and the second VRAM 80 are connected to the LCD controller 82.

The LCD controller 82 includes a register 82 a. The register 82 a storesa value of “0” or “1” according to an instruction from the CPU 50. In acase that the value of the register 82 a is “0”, the LCD controller 82outputs the first display image rendered in the first VRAM 78 to thesecond LCD 18, and outputs the second display image rendered in thesecond VRAM 80 to the first LCD 16. Furthermore, in a case that thevalue of the register 82 a is “1”, the LCD controller 82 outputs thefirst display image rendered in the first VRAM 78 to the first LCD 16,and outputs the second display image rendered in the second VRAM 80 tothe second LCD 18.

In FIG. 4, a use example of the game apparatus 10 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2when the information processing of this embodiment is executed isillustrated. As shown in FIG. 4, the game apparatus 10 is grasped by auser or a player (hereinafter, simply referred to as a “user”) in astate where it is rotated at about 90° counterclockwise from the stateshown in FIG. 1. Accordingly, the first LCD 16 and the second LCD 18 arearranged side by side.

In the information processing of this embodiment, a part of range(hereinafter, referred to as a “region”) such as a city, town orvillage, shopping area, or a date area is selected from a relativelylarge range such as a prefecture (hereinafter, referred to as a “wholerange”), and a map of the selected region is displayed on the first LCD16 and the second LCD 18.

In the map of the selected region, landmarks are set (displayed) inadvance. The user looks up information of the landmarks and the like toplan a trip, shopping, date or the like. In this embodiment, the“landmark” means a building construction (store, shopping mall,building, tower, amusement park (theme park), museum, aquarium, temple,castle, house, station, bridge or the like), stock farm, mountain,river, lake or pond, hill, road (intersection) or the like, which isregistered in advance.

For example, the user goes on a trip, goes shopping or goes on a date inaccordance with the landmarks, and takes a photograph if desired. Thetaken photograph (photographing image) can be stored. Also, ahandwritten note is created by an instruction of the user, and an imageof the created handwritten note (handwriting image) can be stored. Timeand date information is added to the photographing image and thehandwriting image. The photographing image and the handwriting image areattached to the map by an instruction of the user.

Moreover, the photographing image and the handwriting image can beviewed in a slide show. In this embodiment, the slide show isreproduced, using position information and the time and dateinformation. In simple terms, the photographing images and thehandwriting images are displayed in an order following the photographedor created time and date. At this time, an image of the landmarkexisting around a position on the map where the photographing image andthe handwriting image are attached is also displayed.

It is simply because where the photograph was taken or where thehandwritten note was created cannot be readily recalled if only thephotographing image and handwriting image are displayed that the imageof the landmark is displayed together with the photographing image andthe handwriting image in this manner.

FIG. 5 is an illustrative view showing a top menu screen 100 displayedon the first LCD 16 and the second LCD 18 when the informationprocessing of this embodiment is started. In the top menu screen 100, aleft screen 102 is displayed on the first LCD 16, and a right screen 104is displayed on the second LCD 18. On the left screen 102, the effectthat the relevant screen is a top menu, and a brief description of therelevant screen are displayed. On the right screen 104, a button image110, a button image 112, and a button image 114 of functions selectableon the top menu are displayed in tandem in a screen center, and a buttonimage 120 and a button image 122 are displayed below the button image114.

The button image 110 is provided to select a function of “spotsearching”. Although an illustration is omitted, when the function of“spot searching” is executed, a searching screen for searching a spot,that is, landmark is displayed, and a desired landmark of the user issearched on this searching screen. An introduction screen forintroducing a recommended route (landmarks considered to be good tovisit and on order of visit) in a certain region is displayed. Thebutton image 112 is provided to select a function of “traveling tool” ofdisplaying a map and the like as described later. The button image 114is provided to select a function of “memory of journey” of reproducing aslide show and the like as described later.

Although an illustration is omitted, on the right screen 104, when anyone of the button images 110 to 114 is turned on (selected), a briefdescription of the function of the selected button image (110, 112, 114)is displayed on the left screen 102. Moreover, when in a state where anyone of the button images 110 to 114 is selected, the button image 122 isturned on, the function set in the selected button image (110, 112, 114)is executed. Although an illustration is omitted, when any one of thebutton images 110 to 114 is selected, a cursor (not shown) is displayedon the selected button image (110, 112, 114), and the selection of thatbutton image (110, 112, 114) is visibly displayed. However, theembodiment is not limited to this, but the button images not selected(110, 112, 114) may be subjected to color reversal or grayout, a colorof a frame of the selected button image (110, 112, 114) may be changedor luminance of the frame may be increased. Hereinafter, when any of thebutton images are turned on (selected), the foregoing is similar.

Although a detained description is omitted, when turning on the buttonimage (110 to 114, 120, 122) displayed on the top menu screen 100, theuser directly touches (turns on) any one of the button images displayedon the second LCD 18 using the touch pen 24, or operates the operationbuttons (20 a to 20 k) to move the cursor (not shown) displayed on thesecond LCD 18 and to turn on the button image instructed by the cursor.When the touch pen 24 is used, a display position on the second LCD 18indicated by touch position data corresponding to a touch position isdetected, and the button image (110 to 114, 120, 122) displayed in therelevant displayed position is turned on. Hereinafter, when any of thebutton images is turned on (selected) or when an icon is touched (turnedon), the foregoing is similar.

For example, in a state where none of the button images 110 to 114 istouched, the button image 122 is displayed in a state where it isdisabled to be turned on (displayed in a grayout state, or displayed atlow luminance), while in a state where any one of the button images 110to 114 is touched, it is displayed in a state where it is enabled to beturned on (displayed in a colored state, or displayed at highluminance). With button images 172, 622 of “decision” (see FIGS. 6 and15) described later, the foregoing is similar. Moreover, although anillustration is omitted, turning on the button image 120 returns thescreen to a menu screen of the game apparatus 10 itself.

In the top menu screen 100, when the button image 122 is turned on withthe button image 112 turned on, the function of “traveling tool” isexecuted, and a traveling tool screen 150 as shown in FIG. 6 isdisplayed. As shown in FIG. 6, in the traveling tool screen 150, a leftscreen 152 is displayed on the first LCD 16, and a right screen 154 isdisplayed on the second LCD 18. On the left screen 152, the effect thatthe relevant screen is the traveling tool screen 150 and a briefdescription of the relevant screen are displayed. On the right screen154, a button image 160, a button image 162 and a button image 164 offunctions selectable on this traveling tool screen 150 are displayed intandem in a screen center, and a button image 170 and a button image 172are displayed below the button image 164.

The button image 160 is provided to select a function of “map” asdescribed later. The button image 162 is provided to select a functionof “schedule note”. Although an illustration is omitted, for example,when the function of “schedule note” is executed, a screen for inputtinga schedule (plan) of traveling or the like is displayed, so that theschedule can be inputted. The button image 164 is provided to select afunction of “journey note camera” as described later.

Although an illustration is omitted, as in the top menu screen 100, whenany one of the button images 160 to 164 is turned on (selected), a briefdescription of the function assigned to the selected button image (160,162, 164) is displayed on the left screen 152. Moreover, when the buttonimage 172 is turned on in a state where any one of the button images 160to 164 is selected, the function assigned to the selected button image(160, 162, 164) is executed. When the button image 170 is turned on, thescreen returns to the top menu screen 100 shown in FIG. 5.

In the traveling tool screen 150, when the button image 172 is turned onin a state where the button image 160 is tuned on, the function of “map”is executed, and a region selection screen 200 is displayed as shown inFIG. 7. This region selection screen 200 is a screen for selecting aregion, on which a detailed map is displayed. As shown in FIG. 7, in theregion selection screen 200, a left screen 202 is displayed on the firstLCD 16, and a right screen 204 is displayed on the second LCD 18. On theleft screen 202, a brief map of a whole range is displayed. In anexample shown in FIG. 7, a brief map of Kyoto prefecture as the wholerange is displayed on the left screen 202. On the other hand, on theright screen 204, an enlarged map of a range indicated by a rectangularframe 210, which is shaded on the left screen 202, is displayed. Thatis, the map for selecting the region is displayed on the right screen204. On this right screen 204, one or more button images 220 with namesof selectable regions described are displayed on the map. Here, theselectable regions mean regions whose detailed maps can be displayed.Moreover, in a lower-left portion of the right screen 204, a buttonimage 230 is displayed. Turning on this button image 230 returns thescreen to the traveling tool screen 150 shown in FIG. 6. Further,although an illustration is omitted, when the right screen 204 isscrolled (moved) vertically and horizontally by the cross key 20 a orthe touch pen 24, the frame 210 of the left screen 202 is also moved inaccordance with this (in accordance with the display range).

While in this embodiment, the frame 210 is shaded, alternatively onlythe frame 210 not daubed may be displayed, or the frame 210 may betranslucently displayed.

For example, in the region selection screen 200 shown in FIG. 7, whenthe button image 220 of a certain region (in this case, “KawaramachiKarasuma”) is turned on, a detailed map screen 250 of the region isdisplayed as shown in FIG. 8. In the detailed map screen 250, a leftscreen 252 is displayed on the first LCD 16, and a right screen 254 isdisplayed on the second LCD 18. On the left screen 252, a map includingthe whole of the region selected in the region selection screen 200 isdisplayed. As shown in FIG. 8, in this embodiment, the map of the wholeof the region selected on the region selection screen 200, and regionsadjacent to the same in a vertical (north and south) direction isdisplayed. A detailed map of a range indicated by a quadrangular frame260, which is shaded on the left screen 252, is displayed on the rightscreen 254. However, by displaying quadrangular frames 262 in a shadedmanner, it is indicated that the regions adjacent to the region selectedon the region selection screen 200 are out of the range whose detailedmap can be displayed (are ranges beyond the selected region) in thisdetailed map screen 250.

While in FIG. 8, the frame 260 and the frames 262 are shaded similarly,these are not necessarily similar. Moreover, with the frame 260, therange may be translucently displayed, or may be displayed only by aframe not daubed with color or the like instead of being shaded. InFIGS. 10 and 12 described later, the foregoing is similar.

As described above, the detailed map of the frame 260 is displayed onthe right screen 254. Moreover, on the map, icons 270 of the landmarksare displayed. These icons 270 are set in advance to display detailedinformation of the corresponding landmarks. The icons 270 are displayedin positions on the map where the corresponding landmarks exist.Although a detailed description is omitted, the respective landmarks aredisplayed in the positions when information of real positions (latitudeand longitude) is converted to information of the positions (positioninformation) on the map displayed on the second LCD 18 of the gameapparatus 10.

A design displayed by each of the icons 270 indicates a type of thelandmark or contents, which may be hard to understand in the drawing.

Moreover, on the right screen 254, an icon 272 and an icon 274 areprovided side by side in an upper portion of the screen, and an icon 276and an icon 278 are provided side by side in a lower portion of thescreen. Furthermore, to the left of the icon 276, a button image 290 isprovided. The icon 272 is provided to draw (create) a handwritten note.The icon 274 is provided to take a photograph by the imaging apparatus(the inward camera 32 and the outward camera 34). The icon 276 isprovided to display or undisplay the icons 270. That is, when the icons270 are displayed, clicking on the icon 276 vanishes (undisplays) theicons 270 displayed on the map of the right screen 254. On the otherhand, when the icons 270 are not displayed, clicking on the icon 276displays the icons 270 of the landmarks registered in advance on the mapof the right screen 254. The icon 278 is provided to display, on theleft screen 252 (or right screen 254), a list of the landmarks (spots)selectable on this detailed map screen 250. Moreover, turning on thebutton image 290 returns the screen to the above-described regionselection screen 200.

Although a detailed description is omitted, operating the predeterminedbutton (e.g., the select button 20 h) when this detailed map screen 250is displayed executes reproduction processing of a slide show describedlater. Accordingly, an icon for executing the reproduction of the slideshow may be provided on the right screen 254 of the detailed map screen250.

In the detailed map screen 250 of FIG. 8, when the icon 270 is touched,as shown in FIG. 9, a screen for displaying details of the correspondinglandmark, that is, a landmark detail screen 300 is displayed. As shownin FIG. 9, in the landmark detail screen 300, a left screen 302 isdisplayed on the first LCD 16, and a right screen 304 is displayed onthe second LCD 18. On the left screen 302, a name of the landmark and animage of the landmark (image of a photograph, poster, illustration orthe like) are displayed.

On the right screen 304, a button image 310, a button image 312, and abutton image 314 are displayed side by side in an upper portion of thescreen. Moreover, on the right screen 304, a button image 316 and abutton image 318 are displayed in tandem in a right end portion of thescreen. Further, on the right screen 304, a button image 320, a buttonimage 322 and the button image 324 are displayed side by side in a lowerportion of the screen. On the right screen 304, an icon 330 is providedabove the button image 320.

When the button image 310 is turned on, a description of the relevantlandmark is displayed (as text) almost in the center of the right screen304. At this time, turning on the button image 316 or the button image318 allows the display to be scrolled up and down. Hereinafter, when thebutton image 312 and the button image 314 are turned on, the foregoingis similar. Turning on the button image 312 displays information such asa telephone number, business hours, a regular holiday, and presence andabsence of a parking space of the landmark as text almost in the centerof the right screen 304. Turning on the button image 314 displaysinformation of an address, a near station, and a near exit of thelandmark as text almost in the center of the right screen 304.

Moreover, turning on the button image 320 returns the screen to thedetailed map screen 250 shown in FIG. 8. Turning on the button image 322enables the relevant landmark to be registered as a “bookmark”. However,turning on the button image 322 when the landmark has already beenregistered as a “bookmark” allows the bookmark registration of thelandmark to be cancelled. Turning on the button image 324 allows thevisit to the relevant landmark to be registered. Turning on the buttonimage 324 when the visit to the landmark is registered allows theregistration of the visit to be cancelled. Accordingly, when the userregisters the visit to the landmark by mistake, the user can cancel it.

The icon 330 is provided to write a note of the landmark. Although anillustration is omitted, when the icon 330 is touched, a screen of akeyboard is displayed on the right screen 304, and a note as text can beinputted. For example, the inputted note will be displayed as text in anupper portion of the left screen 302 when the landmark detail screen 300of this landmark is displayed next time or later. Moreover, once thenote has been inputted, touching the icon 330 enables the note to beedited.

Referring back to FIG. 8, turning on the button image 272 displays ahandwriting screen 350 as described in FIG. 10. As shown in FIG. 10, inthe handwriting screen 350, a left screen 352 is displayed on the firstLCD 16, and a right screen 354 is displayed on the second LCD 18. Sincethe left screen 352 is the same as the left screen 252 of the detailedmap screen 250 of FIG. 8, a duplicate description is omitted. On theright screen 354, a blank area 360 is provided, and a button image 370and a button image 372 are displayed in a lower portion of the screen.The user can draw a letter, a symbol, an image and the like in the blankarea 360 freely by the touch pen 24 or a finger. That is, a handwrittennote is created. Turning on the button image 370 decides to stop(finish) the handwriting, and returns the screen to the detailed mapscreen 250 shown in FIG. 8. At this time, when some letter and the likehave been drawn in the blank area 360, all of them are deleted. Turningon the button image 372 allows the handwritten note to be recorded. Inthis embodiment, image data corresponding to an image (handwritingimage) of the handwritten note drawn in the blank area 360 is stored inthe internal memory (the main memory 52 or the data memory for saving56) of the game apparatus 10 in a predetermined format (e.g., by bitmapor by JPEG). The image data of the handwriting image may be recorded onthe external memory (the memory card 26) loaded on the game apparatus10. Moreover, when the image data of the handwriting image is stored,time and date information of a creation time and date of the handwrittennote is stored in association with the relevant image data. The date anda current time are acquired from the RTC 68 incorporated in the gameapparatus 10.

Although an illustration is omitted, once the image data of thehandwriting image is recorded, a button image for selecting whether ornot the relevant handwriting image is to be attached to the map isdisplayed on the second LCD 18 (the right screen 354). When it isselected that the handwriting image is to be attached to the map, ajourney note attaching screen 450 (see FIG. 12) is displayed asdescribed later. On the other hand, when it is selected that thehandwriting image is not to be attached to the map, the screen returnsto the detailed map screen 250 shown in FIG. 8 as it is. However, evenwhen it is selected here that the handwriting image is not to beattached to the map, it will be able to be attached to the map later.

Moreover, when on the traveling tool screen 150 shown in FIG. 6, thebutton image 172 is turned on in a state where the button image 164 isturned on, or when the icon 274 is touched on the detailed map screen250 shown in FIG. 8, a photographing screen 400 is displayed as shown inFIG. 11. As can be seen from FIG. 11, in the photographing image 400, aleft screen 402 is displayed on the first LCD 16, and a right screen 404is displayed on the second LCD 18. On the left screen 402, an image(moving image or still image) taken in by the inward camera 32 or theoutward camera 34 is displayed. That is, when a moving image (throughimage) is displayed on the left screen 402, the first LCD 16 functionsas a viewfinder. Moreover, when the through image is displayed on theleft screen 402, a square-shaped photographing guide 410 is displayed inthe center. Although a detailed description is omitted, a rangesurrounded by the photographing guide 410 in a subject is focused on.

On the right screen 404, a button image 420 is displayed almost in thecenter of the screen. Moreover, on the right screen 404, button images422 and 424 are displayed side by side in an upper portion of thescreen. Further, a button image 426 is displayed below the button image420 in a lower portion of the right screen 404. The button image 420functions as a shutter button, and when the shutter button is turned on,at this time, an image taken by the inward camera 32 or the outwardcamera 34 (photographing image) is taken in. Although the detaileddescription is omitted, the L button 20 i and the R button 20 j alsofunction as the shutter buttons. Moreover, turning on the button image422 allows the inward camera 32 to be selected, while turning on thebutton image 424 allows the outward camera 34 to be selected. That is,the cameras (32, 34) are switched by the button image 422 and the buttonimage 424. By turning on the button image 426, stopping (finishing) thephotographing is selected, and the screen returns to the detailed mapscreen 250 shown in FIG. 8.

Although a detailed description is omitted, on the right screen 404, anumber of photographable sheets is displayed to the right of the buttonimage 424 in the upper portion of the screen.

Moreover, although an illustration is omitted, once the photographingimage taken by the inward camera 32 or the outward camera 34 isacquired, the photographing image is displayed on the first LCD 16 (theleft screen 402), and a button image for selecting whether or not thephotograph image is to be saved is displayed on the second LCD 18 (theright screen 404). When the saving of the photographing image isselected, image data corresponding to the photographing image is storedin the internal memory (the main memory 52 or the data memory for saving56) of the game apparatus 10 in a predetermined format (e.g., by bitmapor by JPEG). The image data of the photographing image may be recordedon the external memory (the memory card 26) loaded on the game apparatus10. When the image data of the photographing image is stored, time anddate information of a photographing time and date is stored inassociation with the image data of the relevant photographing image. Thetime and date and a current time are acquired from the RTC 68incorporated in the game apparatus 10. On the other hand, when it isselected that the photographing image is not to be saved, the image dataof the photographing image is deleted as it is, and the screen returnsto the photographing screen 400 shown in FIG. 11.

Moreover, although an illustration is omitted, once the photographingimage is saved, a button image for selecting whether or not thisphotographing image is to be attached to the map is displayed on thesecond LCD 18 (the right screen 404). When it is selected that thephotographing image is to be attached to the map, the journey noteattaching screen 450 (see FIG. 12) is displayed as described later. Onthe other hand, when it is selected that the photographing image is notto be attached to the map, the screen returns to the detailed map screen250 shown in FIG. 8 as it is. However, even when it is selected that thephotographing image is not to be attached to the map, it will also beable to be attached to the map later.

As described above, when it is selected that the handwriting image orphotographing image are to be attached to the map, the journey noteattaching screen 450 as shown in FIG. 12 is displayed. In thisembodiment, in the case where simply a “journey note” is referred to, itmeans a handwritten note or/and a taken photograph. Moreover, in thecase where an “image of journey note” is referred to, it means ahandwriting image or/and a photographing image. As shown in FIG. 12, inthe journey note attaching screen 450, a left screen 452 is displayed onthe first LCD 16, and a right screen 454 is displayed on the second LCD18. Since the left screen 452 is the same as the left screen 252 of theabove-described detailed map screen 250 of FIG. 8, a duplicatedescription is omitted.

On the right screen 454, an instruction image 460 for instructing aposition where the journey note is to be attached is displayed almost inthe center of the screen. Moreover, on the right screen 454, a buttonimage 470 is displayed in an upper portion of the screen, and a buttonimage 472 is displayed in a lower portion of the screen. By turning onthe button image 470, the position where the journey note is to beattached is decided in a position on the map indicated by a cross of theinstruction image 460, and position information corresponding to theposition on the map is recorded in association with the journey note.Moreover, by turning on the button image 472, stopping (finishing) theattachment of the journey note is selected, and the screen returns tothe detailed map screen 250 shown in FIG. 8.

As described above, scrolling the map displayed on the right screen 454allows the position where the journey note is to be attached to beselected. That is, in this embodiment, the instruction image 460 isdisplayed in a fixed manner almost in the center of the right screen454, and by scrolling the map, the attachment position is selected.

The journey note is attached as described above, and then, when thedetailed map screen 250 as shown in FIG. 8 is displayed, not only theicon 270 of the landmark but also an icon of the journey note isdisplayed on the map, whose illustration is omitted. By touching thisicon of the journey note, the journey note corresponding to the icon isdisplayed. That is, a browsing function of the journey note is executed.For example, in FIG. 13, a journey note browsing screen 500 when ahandwriting image is displayed is displayed, and in FIG. 14, a journeynote browsing screen 550 when a photographing image is displayed isdisplayed.

As shown in FIG. 13, in the journey note browsing screen 500, a leftscreen 502 is displayed on the first LCD 16, and a right screen 504 isdisplayed on the second LCD 18. On the left screen 502, the handwritingimage stored corresponding to the touched icon of the journey note isdisplayed. Also, on the left screen 502, a creation time and date of therelevant handwriting image is displayed in a lower portion of thescreen. On the right screen 504, an icon 510 is displayed, and aninstruction image 512 is displayed. The icon 510 is provided to displaythe corresponding journey note (different from the journey note beingcurrently displayed), and is displayed corresponding to the journey noteattached to the map. The instruction image 512 is displayed in place ofthe touched icon of the journey note on the above-described detailed mapscreen 250 or in this journey note browsing screen 500. That is, theinstruction image 512 indicates a position on the map where the journeynote (in this case, handwritten note) being currently displayed on theleft screen 502 is attached. Moreover, an icon 520 and an icon 522 aredisplayed above the instruction image 512, and a button image 530 isdisplayed therebetween.

The icon 520 is provided to delete the journey note. Specifically, whenthe icon 520 is touched, data relating to the journey note (in thiscase, image data of the handwriting image or the like) displayed on theleft screen 502 is deleted from the internal memory or the externalmemory of the game apparatus 10. The icon 522 is provided to edit thejourney note. Specifically, when the icon 522 is touched, an editionscreen not shown is displayed, and on this edition screen, data of theposition information and the region information relating to the journeynote can be deleted to obtain a state where the journey note is notattached to the map, or the handwritten note can be rewritten, added ordeleted.

Moreover, turning on the button image 530 allows the selection of thejourney note displayed on the left screen 502 (the relevant journeynote) to be cancelled, and the screen returns to the detailed map screen250 shown in FIG. 8.

As shown in FIG. 14, in the journey note browsing screen 550 on whichthe photographing image is displayed, a left screen 552 is displayed onthe first LCD 16, and a right screen 554 is displayed on the second LCD18. On the left screen 552, an image (in this case, photographing image)of a journey note (in this case, a taken photograph) storedcorresponding to a touched icon (560) is displayed. Moreover, on theleft screen 552, a photographing time and date of the relevantphotographing image is displayed in a lower portion thereof. On theright screen 554, the icon 560 and an instruction image 562 aredisplayed, and an icon 570 and an icon 572 are displayed above theinstruction image 562. Further, a button image 580 is displayed betweenthe icon 570 and the icon 572. Since the icon 560, the instruction image562, the icon 570, and the button image 580 are the same as thecorresponding ones in the above-described journey note browsing screen500 of the handwritten note, duplicate descriptions are omitted. Whenthe icon 572 is touched, an edition screen of the photographing image isdisplayed, whose illustration is omitted. In this edition screen, thephotographing image can be retaken. Moreover, freehand scrawl to thephotographing image is enabled.

Although a detailed description is omitted, in the journey note browsingscreens (500, 550) shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, when the deletion oredition of the journey note is finished, or as described above, when thebutton images (530, 580) are turned on, when some position on the mapother than the icons (510, 520, 522, 560, 570, 572) on the right screens(502, 554) is touched, the screen returns the detailed map screen 250 asshown in FIG. 8.

Referring back to FIG. 5, on the top menu screen 100, when the buttonimage 122 is turned on in a state where the button image 114 is turnedon, a memory-of-journey screen 600 is displayed as shown in FIG. 15. Asshown in FIG. 15, in the memory-of-journey screen 600, a left screen 602is displayed on the first LCD 16, and a right screen 604 is displayed onthe second LCD 18. On the left screen 602, the effect that the relevantscreen is the memory-of-journey screen 600 and a brief description ofthe screen are displayed. On the right screen 604, a button image 610, abutton image 612, and a button image 614 are provided in tandem in thecenter of the screen. Moreover, a button image 620 and a button image622 are displayed below the button image 614.

This screen is the same as the top menu screen 100 shown in FIG. 5 inthat a brief description of the touched icon (610, 612, 614) isdisplayed on the left screen 602.

The button image 610 is provided to select a function of “slide theater”as described later. Moreover, the button image 612 is provided to selecta function of “journey note album”. Although an illustration and adetailed description are omitted, executing the function of “journeynote album” displays a list of all the journey notes. For example,reduced images (thumbnails) of all the journey notes are displayed injuxtaposition on the left screen 602 or/and the right screen 604.Moreover, although an illustration and a detailed description areomitted, for example, a desired journey note can be selected from thejourney notes displayed in the list to be attached to the map.Furthermore, the button image 614 is provided to select a function of“journey column list”. Although an illustration and a detaileddescription are omitted, executing the function of “journey column list”displays, on the left screen 602 (or on the right screen 604), a list ofarbitrary characters that can be found on the map. These characters areset in advance on the map separately from the icons 270 of the landmarksby a developer or a programmer. That is, a game element of “finding thecharacters” is added.

Moreover, turning on the button image 620 returns the screen to the topmenu screen 100 shown in FIG. 5. On the other hand, turning on thebutton image 622 executes the function assigned to the selected buttonimage (610, 612, 614).

When the function of the above-described “slide theater” is executed, aslide reproduction screen 700 is displayed as shown in FIG. 16. As shownin FIG. 16, in the slide reproduction screen 700, a left screen 702 isdisplayed on the first LCD 16, and a right screen 704 is displayed onthe second LCD 18. On the left screen 702, the effect that the relevantscreen is the slide reproduction screen 700 and a brief description ofthe relevant screen are displayed. On the right screen 704, a buttonimage 710, a button image 712, and a button image 714 are displayed sideby side almost in the center of the screen, and a button image 716 and abutton image 718 are displayed below them.

Turning on the button image 710 starts (restarts) or pauses thereproduction of slides. While in the slide reproduction screen 700 shownin FIG. 16, the button image 710 is displayed in a state where thereproduction can be started (restarted), during the reproduction of theslides, it is displayed in a state where the reproduction can be paused.Turning on the button image 712 displays a slide just before the slidebeing reproduced. On the other hand, turning on the button image 714displays a next slide to the slide being reproduced. Moreover, turningon the button image 716 starts the reproduction from a leading slide.Furthermore, turning on the button image 718 returns the screen to thememory-of-journey screen 600 shown in FIG. 15.

In this embodiment, the slides (images of a title page, landmarks,journey notes) are reproduced in accordance with the following rules.This is intended to make photographing places and creation places of thejourney notes easier to understand, and to look back on the journeynotes (recording of the journey) in chronological order. (1) The journeynotes are reproduced on a basis of region. (2) The journey notes arebasically reproduced in order of an older (earlier) time and date. (3)The images of the landmarks that the user visited are reproduced. (4)Each of the journey notes is reproduced after the image of the landmark(image of a photograph, poster, illustration and the like) existingwithin a predetermined range (e.g., within a radius of 10 m in realspace). (5) Each of the journey notes and the images of the landmarks isreproduced only once. (6) The journey note whose position (region) isnot set is reproduced after the journey notes whose positions are setare reproduced.

As described later, an image of the title page (illustration) is animage of a photograph, poster, illustration or the like of thecorresponding region, and has been created for each region in advance.

A reproduction list is created so as to satisfy all the rules asdescribed above, and by executing reproduction processing in accordancewith the created reproduction list, the slide show is executed.

FIG. 17 is an illustrative view showing one example of the reproductionlist. While in FIG. 17, the title pages, the landmarks, and the journeynotes are distinguished by giving parenthetic numbers to them,identification information of each of them (a title page ID, landmarkID, journey note ID) is actually described. Moreover, in FIG. 17, allthe journey notes (n) are attached on the map, and as the parentheticnumber is smaller, the time and date indicated by the time and dateinformation is older (earlier). In FIG. 17, n is a positive integer.Moreover, in FIG. 17, in all of the landmarks (1), (2), (3), the effectthat the user visited them is set (a visit flag described later is on).

As shown in FIG. 17, in the reproduction list, the identificationinformation of the respective images of the title pages, the landmarks,and the journey notes is described corresponding to a number of an indexindicting a reproduction order. Specifically, in an order from the indexnumber 1, the title page (2), the landmark (2), the journey note (1),the journey note (3), the landmark (3), the journey note (2), the titlepage (1), the landmark (1), the journey note (4), the journey note (5),the title page (3) . . . , and the journey note (n) are described.

In the reproduction list, the index numbers 1 to 6 make up a group ofslides of a certain region (group 1), the index numbers 7 to 10 make upa group of slides of another region (group 2). Moreover, in each of thegroups, the title page ID of the image of the title page for indicatingthe pertinent region is described at the head. This is because theabove-described rule (1) is followed. Moreover, in each of the groups,basically, the journey note (n) follows the image of the landmark, andis arranged in older order. This is because the rules (2) to (4) arefollowed. However, as shown in the group (1), the journey note (3) isarranged before the journey note (2). This is because the landmark (2)existing within the predetermined range of the journey note (3) alsoexists in the predetermined range of the journey note (1) and hasalready been registered in the reproduction list. That is, it isreproduced after the landmark (2), following the rule (5). Moreover,since the rule (2) is followed, the journey note (3) is arranged afterthe journey note (1).

Although not shown in FIG. 17, according to the above-described rule(6), the image of the landmark that does not exist within thepredetermined range of any of the journey notes and that the uservisited, and the image of the journey note whose position information isnot set (not attached to the map) are also added to the reproductionlist. With the image of the former landmark, when a group of a regionwhere the relevant landmark exists is present in the reproduction list,the image of the landmark is added to the tail of the group, and on theother hand, when the group of the region where the relevant landmarkexists is absent in the reproduction list, the landmark is added to thetail of the reproduction list. Moreover, the latter journey note isadded to the tail of the reproduction list. In this embodiment, however,after the image of the landmark that does not exist in the predeterminedrange of any of the journey notes and that the user visited is added tothe tail of the reproduction list, the image of the journey note whoseposition information is not set is added to the tail of the reproductionlist. This is merely one example, and thus, after the image of thejourney note whose position information is not set may be added to thetail of the reproduction list, the image of the landmark that does notexist in the predetermined range of any of the journey notes and thatthe user visited may be added to the tail of the reproduction list.

FIG. 18 shows an example of a memory map of the main memory 52 shown inFIG. 2. As shown in FIG. 18, the main memory 52 includes a programmemory area 90, and a data memory area 92. The program memory area 90stores the information processing program, and this informationprocessing program is constructed by a main processing program 90 a, animage generation program 90 b, an image display program 90 c, aphotographing program 90 d, a handwritten-note creating program 90 e, alandmark display program 90 f, a journey-note browsing program 90 g, aslide-show reproducing program 90 h and the like.

The main processing program 90 a is a program for processing a mainroutine of the information processing of this embodiment. The imagegeneration program 90 b is a program for generating screen data todisplay the screens (100, 150, 200, 250, 300, 350, 400, 450, 500, 550,600, 700 and the like) on the first LCD 16 and the second LCD 18 usingimage data 92 b described later. The image display program 90 c is aprogram for displaying the screen data generated in accordance with theimage generation program 90 b on the first LCD 16 and the second LCD 18.

The photographing program 90 d is a program for photographing a subjectusing the inward camera 32 or the outward camera 34 and acquiring aphotographing image. Also, by an instruction of the user, thephotographing program 90 d stores the image data of the photographingimage corresponding to the photographing image in the internal memory orthe external memory, and at this time, associates the time and dateinformation acquired from the RTC 68 with the image data of thephotographing image to similarly store in the internal memory or theexternal memory. The handwritten-note creating program 90 e is a programfor causing the user to draw a handwritten note to acquire a handwritingimage of the drawn handwritten note. Also, by an instruction of theuser, the handwritten-note creating program 90 e stores the handwritingimage data corresponding to the image of the handwritten note in theinternal memory or the external memory, and at this time, associates thetime and date information from the RTC 68 with the handwriting imagedata to similarly store in the internal memory or external memory.

The landmark display program 90 f is a program for displaying thelandmark detail screen 300 of the landmark registered corresponding tothe icon 270 as shown in FIG. 9, when any one of the icons 270 of thelandmarks is touched in the detailed map screen 250 as shown in FIG. 8.The journey-note browsing program 90 g is a program for displaying thejourney note browsing screen 500, 550 shown in FIG. 13 or 14, when theicon of the journey note (510, 560) is touched in the detailed mapscreen 250 as shown in FIG. 8. However, when the icon of the journeynote (510, 560) is touched in the journey note browsing screen 500, 550shown in FIG. 13 or 14, the journey-note browsing screen 500, 550 of thetouched icon of the journey note (510,560) is displayed.

The slide-show reproduction program 90 h is a program for reproducingthe images of the journey notes (photographing images, handwritingimages) together with the title pages and the images of the landmarks,following the above-described rules (1) to (6). At this time, thereproduction list (reproduction list data 92 g) as shown in FIG. 17 isgenerated.

Although an illustration is omitted, the information processing programalso includes a sound output program, a backup program and the like. Thesound output program generates data of sounds such as voices orimitation sounds of the characters, sound effects, and BGM to output thesounds from the speaker. The backup program is a program for storing thedata generated in accordance with the execution of the informationprocessing (in-process data and resultant data) in the memory card 26 orthe memory for saving 56.

Moreover, in the data memory area 92, an operation data buffer 92 a isprovided, and the image data 92 b, map data 92 c, landmark data 92 d,title page data 92 e, journey note data 92 f, reproduction list data 92g and the like are stored.

In the operation data buffer 92 a, operation data from the respectiveoperation buttons 20 a to 20 k and touch position data from the touchpanel 22 are stored in chronological order. The operation data and thetouch position data stored in the operation data buffer 92 a are deletedafter the execution of the information processing.

The image data 92 b is data such as polygon data and texture data forgenerating the screen data of the screens (100 to 700 and the like)displayed on the first LCD 16 and the second LCD 18. Since the map data92 c, the title page data 92 e, and image data 920 d of the images ofthe landmarks are prepared in advance as described later, they are notgenerated using the image data 92 b. Similarly, image data 930 cincluded in the journey note data 92 f described later, which is imagedata of the photographing images and the handwriting images, is notgenerated using the image data 92 b.

The map data 92 c is data of the maps (the map of the whole range, thewhole map of each of the regions, the enlarged map of the whole range,the detailed map of each of the regions) as shown in the regionselection screen 200 of FIG. 7 and the detailed map screen 250 of FIG.8. The position on the map is managed in the position information (e.g.,two-dimensional coordinate) decided based on the latitude and thelongitude.

The landmark data 92 d is data relating to the landmarks set in advance,and specific contents thereof are shown in FIG. 19(A). As shown in FIG.19(A), the landmark data 92 d is data of totally m landmarks, andincludes landmark 1 data 920, landmark 2 data 922, . . . , landmark mdata 92 m. The landmark 1 data 920 is made up of landmark ID data 920 a,position information data 920 b, region information data 920 c, theimage data 920 d, information data 920 e, a bookmark flag 920 f and avisit flag 920 g.

The landmark ID data 920 a is data of identification information(landmark ID) such as a file name of the relevant landmark 1. Theposition information data 920 b is data indicating the position on themap where the relevant landmark 1 exists, that is, the positioninformation equivalent to the latitude and the longitude. The regioninformation data 920 c is data of a name or identification information(region ID) of the region on the map where the relevant landmark 1exists. The image data 920 d is data of an image of the relevantlandmark 1 (image of a photograph, poster, illustration or the like).The information data 920 e is text data of respective types ofinformation of “description”, “facility” and “traffic” of the relevantlandmark 1.

The bookmark flag 920 f is a flag for determining whether or not therelevant landmark 1 has been registered as a bookmark, and is configuredby a register of one bit. When the bookmark flag 920 f is turned on(established), a data value “1” is set in the register. On the otherhand, when the bookmark flag 920 f is turned off (unestablished), a datavalue “0” is set in the register. However, when the button image 322 isturned on on the landmark detail screen 300, the relevant landmark 1 isregistered as a bookmark, and the bookmark flag 920 f is turned on.Moreover, when the button image 322 is not turned on on the landmarkdetail screen 300 (including a case where it is turned on and thenturned off), the relevant landmark 1 is not registered as a bookmark, orthe registration as the bookmark is cancelled, so that the bookmark flag920 f is turned off.

The visit flag 920 g is a flag for determining whether or not therelevant landmark 1 has been visited, and is configured by a register ofone bit. When the visit flag 920 g is turned on, a data value “1” is setin the register. When the visit flag 920 g is turned off, a data value“0” is set in the register. When the button image 324 is turned on onthe landmark detail screen 300, the visit to the relevant landmark 1 isregistered and the visit flag 920 g is turned on. Moreover, when thebutton image 324 is not turned on (including a case where it is turnedon and then turned off) on the landmark detail screen 300, the visitflag 920 g is turned off.

Since the landmark 2 data 922, . . . , the landmark m data 92 m aresimilar to the landmark 1 data 920, duplicate descriptions are omitted.

Referring back to FIG. 18, the title page data 92 e is image data ofimages of the respective regions (photographs, posters, illustrations orthe like). Although an illustration is omitted, the image data of theimages of the respective title pages is stored corresponding to theregions or the identification information (title page IDs) foridentifying the title pages. Moreover, the journey note data 92 f isdata relating to the above-described images of the journey notes, thatis, the photographing images and the handwriting images, andspecifically, is shown in FIG. 19(B). As shown in FIG. 19 (B), thejourney note data 92 f is data of totally n journey notes, and includesjourney note 1 data 930, journey note 2 data 932, . . . , journey note ndata 93 n.

The journey note 1 data 930 is made up of journey note ID data 930 a,time and date information data 930 b, the image data 930 c, positioninformation data 930 d and region information data 930 e. The journeynote ID data 930 a is data of identification information (a journey noteID) such as a file name of the relevant journey note 1. The time anddate information data 930 b is data of a time and date (photographingtime and date, creation time and date) when the relevant journey note 1was created (recorded). The image data 930 c is image data of thephotographing image or handwriting image of the relevant journey note 1.The position information data 930 d is data of the position informationon the map to which the relevant journey note 1 is attached. The regioninformation data 930 e is data of the name or the identificationinformation (region ID) of the region on the map to which the relevantjourney note 1 is attached. When no journey note is attached to the map,NULL data is stored as the position information data 930 d and theregion information data 930 e.

Since the journey note 2 data 932, . . . , the journey note n data 93 nare similar to the journey note 1 data 930, duplicate descriptions areomitted.

Referring again to FIG. 18, the reproduction list data 92 g is data ofthe reproduction list as shown in FIG. 17, and is generated every timethe slide show reproduction function is executed.

Although an illustration is omitted, in the data memory area 92, anotherdata is also stored, and a flag, a counter (timer) and the likenecessary for executing the information processing program of thisembodiment are provided.

FIGS. 20 to 25 are flowcharts showing overall processing of a CPU 50shown in FIG. 3. As shown in FIG. 20, the CPU 50 executes initializationprocessing in a step S1 when the overall processing starts. Here, theCPU 50 clears the operation data buffer 92 a, loads the image data 92 b,the map data 92 c, the landmark data 92 d, the title page data 92 e andthe journey note data 92 f, erases the reproduction list data 92 g, andso on.

In a next S3, the top menu screen 100 as shown in FIG. 5 is displayed onthe first LCD 16 and the second LCD 18. Subsequently, in a step S5,whether or not the execution of “spot searching” has been instructed isdetermined. That is, it is determined whether or not the button image122 is turned on in the state where the button image 110 is turned on onthe top menu screen 100. If YES in the step S5, that is, if theexecution of “spot searching” is instructed, then in a step S7, thesearching processing of the spot is executed, and the display processingof the recommended route is executed and so on, whose detaileddescription is omitted, and the processing returns to the step S3.

On the other hand, if “NO” in the step S5, that is, if the execution of“spot searching” is not instructed, then in a step S9, whether or notthe execution of “traveling tool” is instructed is determined. That is,it is determined whether or not the button image 122 is turned on in thestate where the button image 112 is turned on on the top menu screen100. If “YES” in the step S9, that is, if the execution of “travelingtool” is instructed, then in a step S11, the traveling tool screen 150as shown in FIG. 6 is displayed on the first LCD 16 and the second LCD18, and in a step S13, whether or not the processing returns to the topmenu is determined. That is, in the step S13, it is determined whetheror not the button image 170 is turned on on the traveling tool screen150.

If “YES” in the step S13, that is, if the processing returns to the topmenu, the processing returns to the step S3 as it is. Accordingly, asdescribed above, the top menu screen 100 is displayed on the first LCD16 and the second LCD 18. On the other hand, if “NO” in the step S13,that is, if the processing does not return to the top menu, then in astep S15, whether or not the execution of “map” is instructed isdetermined. That is, it is determined whether or not the button image172 is turned on in the state where the button image 160 is turned on onthe traveling tool screen 150. If “YES” in the step S15, that is, if theexecution of “map” is instructed, then in a step S23 shown in FIG. 21,the region selection screen 200 as shown in FIG. 7 is displayed on thefirst LCD 16 and the second LCD 18.

In a next step S25, whether or not a region is selected is determined.That is, it is determined whether or not any one of the button images220 is turned on to select a region. If “NO” in the step S25, that is,if no region is selected, then in a step S27, whether or not theprocessing returns to the traveling tool is determined. That is, the CPU50 determines whether or not the button image 230 is turned on on theregion selection screen 200.

If “YES in the step S27, that is, if the processing returns to thetraveling tool, the processing returns to the step S11 shown in FIG. 20.Accordingly, as described above, the traveling toll screen 150 isdisplayed on the first LCD 16 and the second LCD 18. On the other hand,if “NO in the step S27, that is, if the processing does not return tothe traveling tool, the processing returns to the step S25 as it is.While in FIG. 21, if none of the button images 220 and the button image230 is turned on on the region selection screen 200, the processingreturns to the step S25, actually, the processing of scrolling the mapof the right screen 204, and with this, moving the frame 210 of the leftscreen 202 is executed by an touch (drag) operation of the user.

Moreover, if “YES” in the step S25, that is, if a region is selected,then in a step S29, the map of the selected region is read. That is, theCPU 50 reads the data of the whole map and the detailed map of theselected region from the map data 92 c. Next, in a step S31, theposition information of the journey notes of the selected region isread. Here, the CPU 50, referring to the journey note data 92 f, readsthe position information data (930 d and the like) of the journey notesin which the region indicated by the region information data (930 e andthe like) thereof coincides with the selected region. In a step S33, theicons of the journey notes are arranged on the maps in accordance withthe position information. Here, the CPU 50 arranges the icons (510, 560)of the journey notes on both the whole map and the detailed map of theselected region.

Subsequently, in a step S35, the position information of the landmarksof the selected region is read. Here, the CPU 50, referring to thelandmark data 92 d, reads the position information data (920 b and thelike) of the landmarks in which the region indicated by the regioninformation data (920 c and the like) thereof coincides with theselected region. Next, in a step S37, the icons of the landmarks arearranged on the maps in accordance with the position information. Here,the CPU 50 arranges the icons (270) of the landmarks on both the wholemap and the detailed map of the selected region. In a step S39, the mapsand the icons are displayed. The detailed region screen 250 as shown inFIG. 8 is displayed on the first LCD 16 and the second LCD 18.

As shown in FIG. 22, in a next step S41, whether or not there is aninstruction of the execution of “photographing” is determined. That is,the CPU 50 determines whether or not the icon 274 is clicked on on thedetailed map screen 250. If “YES” in the step S41, that is, if there isan instruction of the execution of “photographing”, then in a step S43,photographing processing described later (see FIGS. 26 and 27) isexecuted, and the processing returns to the step S29 shown in FIG. 21.On the other hand, if “NO” in the step S41, that is, if there is noinstruction of the execution of “photographing”, then in a step S45,whether or not there is an instruction of the execution of “handwrittennote creation” is determined. That is, the CPU 50 determines whether ornot the icon 272 is clicked on on the detailed map screen 250.

If “YES” in the step S45, that is, if there is an instruction of theexecution of “handwritten note creation”, then in a step S47,handwritten-note creating processing described later (see FIGS. 28 and29) is executed, and the processing returns to the step S29. On theother hand, if “NO” in the step S45, that is, if there is no instructionof the execution of “handwritten note creation”, then in a step S49,whether or not any one of the icons (270) of the landmarks on the map istouched is determined.

If “YES” in the step S49, that is, if any one of the icons (270) of thelandmarks is touched, then in a step S51, landmark display processingdescribed later (see FIG. 30) is executed, and the processing returns tothe step S29. In the step S51, the landmark display processing of thelandmark corresponding to the touched icon (270) is executed. On theother hand, if “NO” in the step S49, that is, if none of the icons (270)of the landmarks on the map is touched, then in a step S53 shown in FIG.23, whether or not any one of the icons (510, 560) of the journey noteson the map is touched is determined.

If “YES” in the step S53, that is, if any of the icons (510, 560) of thejourney notes on the map is touched, then in a step S55, the journeynote is displayed, and the processing returns to the step S29 shown inFIG. 21. That is, in the step S55, the CPU 50 displays the image(photographing image or handwriting image) of the journey notecorresponding to the icon (510, 560) of the touched journey note on thefirst LCD 16, that is, on the left screen 252 of the detailed map screen250. That is, the journey note browsing screen 500, 550 shown in FIG. 13or 14 is displayed on the first LCD 16 and the second LCD 18. On theother hand, if “NO” in the step S53, that is, if none of the icons (510,560) of the journey notes on the map is touched, then in a step S57,whether or not there is a reproduction instruction of the slide show isdetermined. That is, the CPU 50 determines whether or not the selectbutton 20 h is turned on.

If “YES” in the step S57, that is, if there is a reproductioninstruction of the slide show, then in a step S59, reproductionprocessing of the slide show described later (see FIGS. 31 to 35) isexecuted, and the processing returns to the step S29. On the other hand,if “NO” in the step S57, that is, if there is no reproductioninstruction of the slide show, then in a step S61, whether or not theprocessing returns to the region selection is determined. That is, theCPU 50 determines whether or not the button image 290 is turned on.

If “NO” in the step S61, that is, if the processing does not return tothe region selection, it returns to the step S41 shown in FIG. 22 as itis. On the other hand, if “YES” in the step S61, that is, if theprocessing returns to the region selection, it returns to the step S23as it is.

Although an illustration and a detailed description are omitted, sincethe detailed map screen 250 is also provided with the button 276 and thebutton 278, whether or not these buttons 276, 278 are turned on isdetermined, and if the buttons 276, 278 are turned on, the correspondingprocessing (display/undisplay of the icons of the landmarks, listdisplay of the spots (landmarks)) is executed as described above.

Referring back to FIG. 20, if “NO” in the step S15, that is, if there isno instruction of the execution of “map”, then in a step S63 shown inFIG. 24, whether or not there is an instruction of the execution of“schedule note” is determined. That is, it is determined whether or notthe button image 172 is turned on in the state where the button image162 is turned on on the traveling tool screen 150. If “YES” in the stepS63, that is, if there is an instruction of the execution of the“schedule note”, then in a step S65, input processing of the schedule isexecuted, whose detailed description is omitted, and the processingreturns to the step S11 shown in FIG. 20. On the other hand, if “NO” inthe step S63, that is, if there is no instruction of the execution of“schedule note”, then in a step S67, whether or not there is aninstruction of the execution of “journey note camera” is determined.That is, the CPU 50 determines whether or not the button image 172 isturned on in the state where the button image 164 of the traveling toolscreen 150 is turned on.

If “YES” in the step S67, that is, if there is an instruction of theexecution of “journey note camera”, then in a step S69, thephotographing processing described later is executed, and the processingreturns to the step S11. On the other hand, if “NO” in the step S67,that is, if there is no instruction of the execution of “journey notecamera”, the processing returns to the step S13 shown in FIG. 20.

Referring back to FIG. 20, if “NO” in the step S9, that is, if there isno instruction of the execution of “traveling tool”, then in a step S17,whether or not there is an instruction of the execution of “memory ofjourney” is determined. That is, the CPU 50 determines whether or notthe button image 122 is turned on in the state where the button image114 is turned on on the top menu screen 100. If “NO” in the step S17,that is, if there is no instruction of the execution of “memory ofjourney”, the processing returns to the step S5 as it is.

Although an illustration and a detailed description are omitted, if thebutton 120 is turned on on the top menu screen 100, the screen returnsto the menu screen of the game apparatus 10 itself as described above.

On the other hand, if “YES” in the step S17, that is, if there is aninstruction of the execution of “memory of journey”, then in a step S19,the memory-of-journey screen 600 as shown in FIG. 15 is displayed on thefirst LCD 16 and the second LCD 18.

In a next step S21, whether or not the processing returns to the topmenu is determined. That is, the CPU 50 determines whether or not thebutton image 620 is turned on on the memory-of-journey screen 600. If“YES” in the step S21, that is, if the processing returns to the topmenu, it returns to the step S3 as it is. On the other hand, if “NO” inthe step S21, that is, if the processing does not return to the topmenu, then in a step S71 shown in FIG. 25, whether or not the executionof “slide theater” is instructed is determined. That is, the CPU 50determines whether or not the button image 622 is turned on in the statewhere the button image 610 is turned on on the memory-of-journey screen600.

If “YES” in the step S71, that is, if there is an instruction of theexecution of “slide theater”, then in a step S73, the reproductionprocessing of the slide show described later is executed, and theprocessing returns to the step S19 shown in FIG. 20. On the other hand,if “NO” in the step S71, that is, if there is no instruction of theexecution of “slide theater”, then in a step S75, whether or not theexecution of “journey column list” is instructed is determined. That is,the CPU 50 determines whether or not the button image 622 is turned onin the state where the button image 614 is turned on on thememory-of-journey screen 600.

If “YES” in the step S75, that is, if there is an instruction of theexecution of “journey column list”, then in a step S77, list displayprocessing of the characters is executed, whose detailed description isomitted, and the processing returns to the step S19. On the other hand,if “NO” in the step S75, that is, if there is no instruction of theexecution of “journey column list”, then in a step S79, whether or notthere is an instruction of the execution of “journey note album” isdetermined. That is, the CPU 50 determines whether or not the buttonimage 622 is turned on in the state where the button image 612 is turnedon on the memory-of-journey screen 600.

If “YES in the step S79, that is, if there is an instruction of theexecution of “journey note album”, then in a step S81, list displayprocessing of the journey notes is executed, whose detailed descriptionis omitted, and the processing returns to the step S19. On the otherhand, if “NO” in the step S79, that is, if there is no instruction ofthe execution of “journey note album”, the processing returns to thestep S21 shown in FIG. 20.

FIGS. 26 and 27 are flowcharts of the photographing processing shown inthe step S43 of FIG. 22 and the step S69 of FIG. 24. As shown in FIG.26, when the photographing processing starts, the CPU 50 displays thephotographing screen 400 as shown in FIG. 11 on the first LCD 16 and thesecond LCD 18 in a step S91. In a next step S93, the incorporated camera(32, 34) is started up. Although a detailed description is omitted, inthis embodiment, the inward camera 32 or the outward camera 34 selectedby the user is started up as described above. The inward camera 32 orthe outward camera 34 is switched by turning on the button image 422 orthe button image 424 on the photographing screen 400.

Subsequently, in a step S95, a through image is displayed on the firstLCD 16 (left screen 402). In a next step S 97, whether or not theshutter button is pressed is determined. That is, the CPU 50 determineswhether or not the button image 420 is turned on on the photographingscreen 400, or whether or not the L button 20 i or the R button 20 j ispressed.

If “NO” in the step S97, that is, if the shutter button is not pressed,the processing returns to the step S95 as it is. On the other hand, if“YES” in the step S97, that is, if the shutter button is pressed, thenin a step S99, the photographing processing is executed, and in a stepS101, whether or not there is an instruction of saving is determined.Although a detailed description is omitted, after the photographing, aselection screen as to whether or not the photographing image is to besaved is displayed, and on this selection screen, the instruction ofwhether or not to save the photographing image is inputted.

If “NO” in the step S101, that is, if there is no instruction of saving,then in a step S103, whether or not there is an instruction of deletion,that is, an instruction not to save is determined. If “NO” in the stepS103, that is, there is no instruction of deletion, the processingreturns to the step S101. On the other hand, if “YES” in the step S101,that is, if there is an instruction of deletion, then in a step S105,the image data of the photographing image is deleted, and as shown inFIG. 27, the processing returns to the overall processing.

On the other hand, if “YES” in the step S101, that is, if there is aninstruction of saving, then in a step S107, the photographing image issaved as a journey note. That is, the journey note n data 93 n includingthe image data of the photographing image is stored in the data memoryarea 92. Next, in a step S109, a photographing time and date is saved asthe time and date information of the journey note. Although anillustration and the like are omitted, the CPU 50 acquires, from the RTC68, the time and date information (photographing time and date) when theshutter button was pressed to add the corresponding time and dateinformation to the before-described journey note n data 93 n.

Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 27, in a step S110, whether or not thejourney note is to be attached to the map is determined. If “NO” in thestep S110, that is, if there is an instruction not to attach the journeynote to the map, the processing returns to the overall processing as itis. On the other hand, if “YES” in the step S110, that is, if there isan instruction to attach the journey note to the map, then in a stepS111, whether or not the detailed map was displayed before thephotographing is determined. That is, it is determined whether or not inthe traveling tool, “map” was executed and in this processing, thephotographing processing was performed.

If “YES” in the step S111, that is, if the detailed map was displayedbefore the photographing, then in a step S113, the journey noteattaching screen 450 on which the map of the region displayed before thephotographing, that is, the relevant map is displayed is displayed onthe first LCD 16 and the second LCD 18, and the processing goes to astep S119. On the other hand, if “NO” in the step S111, that is, if thedetailed map was not displayed before the photographing, then in a stepS115, the region selection screen 200 is displayed on the first LCD 16and the second LCD 18, and in a step S117, the journey note attachingscreen 450 on which the map of the region selected on the relevantregion selection screen 200, that is, the relevant map is displayed isdisplayed on the first LCD 16 and the second LCD 18, and the processinggoes to the step S119. That is, when “journey note camera” is executedin the traveling tool, the region to which the photographing image is tobe attached is selected.

In the step S119, whether or not the position on the map is instructedis determined. That is, the CPU 50 determines whether or not on thejourney note attachment screen 450, the instruction image 460 is alignedwith a predetermined position by scrolling the map displayed on thesecond LCD 18 and so on, and then the button image 470 is turned on.

If “YES” in the step S119, that is, if the position on the map isinstructed, then in a step S121, the position information and the regioninformation are saved, and the processing returns to the overallprocess. That is, in the step S121, the CPU 50 adds the positioninformation data of the position on the map instructed by the user andthe region information data of the region corresponding to the relevantmap to the before-described journey note n data 93 n.

On the other hand, if “NO” in the step S119, that is, if the position onthe map is not instructed, then in a step 123, whether or not to stopthe attachment is determined. That is, the CPU 50 determines whether ornot the button image 472 is turned on on the journey note attachingscreen 450. If “NO” in the step S123, that is, if the attachment is notstopped, the processing returns to the step S119. In this case, forsimplicity, the processing returns to the step S119 as it is, and inthis processing, the map is scrolled in accordance with an instructionof the user. On the other hand, if “YES” in the step S123, that is, ifthe attachment is to be stopped, the processing returns to the overallprocessing as it is. Although a detailed description is omitted, if itis determined that the attachment is to be stopped in the step S123,NULL data is stored as the position information data and the regioninformation data of the before-described journey note n data 93 n.

FIGS. 28 and 29 are flowcharts of the handwritten-note creatingprocessing in the step S47 shown in FIG. 22. Processing similar to thephotographing processing shown in FIGS. 26 and 27 is described briefly.As shown in FIG. 28, when the handwritten-note creating processingstarts, in a step S131, the CPU 50 displays the handwriting screen 350as shown in FIG. 10 on the first LCD 16 and the second LCD 18. In a nextstep S133, whether or not there is a touch-on operation is determined.That is, the CPU 50 determines whether or not there is an input of thetouch position data from the touch panel 22. If “NO” in the step S133,that is, if there is no touch-on operation, the processing goes to astep S137 as it is. On the other hand, if “YES” in the step S133, thatis, if there is a touch-on operation, then in a step S135, a point isdrawn in a touch position, and the processing goes to the step S137.That it, the CPU 50 draws the point in the position displayed on thesecond LCD 18, which is indicated by the touch position data from thetouch panel 22.

In the step S137, whether or not there is an instruction of saving isdetermined. That is, the CPU 50 determines whether or not the buttonimage 372 is turned on on the handwriting screen 350. If “NO” in thestep S137, that is, if there is no instruction of the saving, then in astep S139, whether or not there is an instruction of deletion, that is,an instruction to stop the creation of the handwritten note isdetermined. Here, the CPU 50 determines whether or not the button image370 is turned on on the handwriting screen 350.

If “NO” in the step S139, that is, if there is no instruction ofdeletion, the processing returns to the step S133. That is, the creationof the handwritten note is continued. On the other hand, if “YES” in thestep 139, that is, if there is an instruction of deletion, then in astep S141, the handwriting image is deleted, and as shown in FIG. 29,the processing returns to the overall processing. That is, in the stepS141, the CPU 50 deletes (clears) all the touch position data stored inthe operation data buffer 92 a.

Moreover, if “YES in the step S137, that is, if there is an instructionof saving, then in a step S143, the drawn handwriting image is saved asa journey note. That is, the journey note n data including the imagedata of the handwriting image is stored in the data memory area 92. In anext step S145, a creation time and date is saved as the time and dateinformation of the journey note. Although an illustration and the likeare omitted, the CPU 50 acquires from the RTC 68, the time and dateinformation (creation time and date) when the button image 372 is turnedon to add to the before-described journey note n data.

Next, in a step S146, whether or not to attach the journey note to themap is determined. If “NO” in the step S146, the processing returns tothe overall processing as it is. On the other hand, if “YES” in the stepS146, then in a step S147, the journey note attaching screen 450 onwhich the map of the region displayed before the drawing, that is, therelevant map is displayed is displayed on the first LCD 16 and thesecond LCD 18, and in a step S149 shown in FIG. 29, whether or not aposition on the map is instructed is determined.

If “YES” in the step S149, that is, if the position on the map isinstructed, then in a step S151, the position information and the regioninformation are saved, and the processing returns to the overallprocessing. On the other hand, if “NO” in the step 149, that is, if theposition on the map is not instructed, then in a step S153, whether ornot to stop the attachment is determined. If “NO” in the step S153, thatis, if the attachment is not to be stopped, the processing returns tothe step S149 as it is. On the other hand, if “YES” in the step 153,that is, if the attachment is to be stopped, the processing returns tothe overall processing as it is.

FIG. 30 is a flowchart of the landmark display processing in the stepS51 shown in FIG. 22. While in this landmark display processing, forsimplicity, only processing of the visit flag (920 g) and the visitbutton image (324), relating to the reproduction of the slide show isdescribed, the processing when the other button images 310 to 318, thebookmark flag (920 f) and the bookmark button image (322), and the icon330 are pressed is actually executed as well.

As shown in FIG. 30, when the landmark display processing is started,the image of the instructed landmark (hereinafter, referred to as the“relevant landmark” here) is read in a step S171. That is, the imagedata included in the landmark m data 92 m of the landmark correspondingto the icon 270 touched on the detailed map screen 250 is read.

In a next step S173, whether or not the visit flag of the relevantlandmark is on is determined. That is, the CPU 50 determines whether ornot the visit flag included in the landmark m data 92 m of the relevantlandmark is on. If “YES” in the step S173, that is, if the visit flag ofthe relevant landmark is on, then in a step S175, the visit button isemphasized and the processing goes to a step S179. For example, the CPU50 increases the luminance of the button image 324 in the step S175. Onthe other hand, if “NO” in the step S173, that is, if the visit flag ofthe relevant landmark is off, then in a step S177, the visit button ismade darker, and the processing goes to the step S179. For example, theCPU 50 decreases the luminance of the button image 324 in the step S177.

In the step S179, the images and the buttons are displayed. That is, theCPU 50 displays the landmark detail screen 300 as shown in FIG. 9 on thefirst LCD 16 and the second LCD 18, using the image data, theinformation data, the bookmark data and the visit flag included in thelandmark m data 92 m of the relevant landmark.

Subsequently, in a step S181, whether or not the visit button image isselected is determined. That is, the CPU 50 determines whether or notthe button image 324 is turned on on the landmark detail screen 300. If“NO” in the step S181, that is, if the visit button image is notselected, then in a step S183, whether or not there is an instruction toreturn to the map is determined. That is, the CPU 50 determines whetheror not the button image 320 is turned on on the landmark detail screen300. If “NO” in the step S183, that is, if the processing does notreturn to the map, the processing returns to the step S181. On the otherhand, if “YES” in the step S183, that is, if the processing returns tothe map, it returns to the overall processing as it is.

Moreover, if “YES in the step S181, that is, if the visit button imageis selected, then in a step S185, whether or not the visit flag of therelevant landmark is on is determined. That is, the CPU 50 determineswhether or not the visit button image has already been turned on. If“NO” in the step S185, that is, if the visit flag of the relevantlandmark is off, then in a step S187, the visit button image 324 of thelandmark detail screen 300 is emphasized, and in a step S189, the visitflag of the relevant landmark is turned on, and then the processingreturns to the step S179.

On the other hand, if “YES” in the step S185, that is, if the visit flagof the relevant landmark is on, then in a step S191, the visit buttonimage 324 of the landmark detail screen 300 is made darker, and in astep S193, the visit flag of the relevant landmark is turned off toreturn the processing to step S179.

FIGS. 31 to 35 are flowcharts of the reproduction processing of theslide show in the step S59 shown in FIG. 23 and the step S73 shown inFIG. 25. As shown in FIG. 31, when the reproduction processing of theslide show starts, the CPU 50 lists up the journey notes with theregions set in a step S211. That is, the CPU 50 extracts the journeynote n data (930 to 93 n) with no NULL data described as the regioninformation data among the n pieces of journey note n data (930 to 93 n)included in the journey note data 92 f. However, the journey note IDs(journey note ID data 930 a and the like) of the journey note n data(930 to 93 n) are actually listed up.

In a next step S213, the journey notes listed-up in the step S211 arearranged in order of time and date. That is, the CPU 50 sorts thejourney note IDs in order of earlier time and date with reference to thetime and date information data of the listed-up journey note n data (930to 93 n). Subsequently, in a step S215, the rearranged journey notes areclassified by region. For example, the CPU 50 groups the journey note ndata (930 to 93 n) of the same region with reference to the regioninformation data of the journey notes. At this time, in each of thegroups, the title page ID corresponding to the region is arranged, andthen, the journey note IDs of the relevant region are arranged in orderof earlier time and date, following the title page ID. In a step S217,the regions are arranged in time and date order of the oldest journeynotes in the respective regions. That is, the CPU 50 extracts thejourney note n data (930 to 93 n) of the oldest time and date from thejourney note n data (930 to 93 n) belonging to the respective regions,and arranges the groups of the regions that the extracted journey note ndata (930 to 93 n) belongs to, in order of older time and date of theextracted journey note n data (930 to 93 n).

In a next step S219, a variable i is initialized (i=1). This variable iis a variable for counting a number of the journey notes listed up in astep S211. Subsequently, in a step S221, whether or not the variable iexceeds a total number M of the listed-up journey notes is determined.Here, the CPU 50 determines whether or not processing of association ofall the listed-up journey notes with the landmarks has been finished.

If “NO” in the step S221, that is, if the variable i is equal to or lessthan the total number M of the listed-up journey notes, then in a step223, the i-th oldest journey note is specified. In a next step S225, theregion and the position of the journey note specified in the step S223are acquired. That is, the CPU 50 acquires the position indicated by theposition information data and the region indicated by the regioninformation data, which are included in the journey note n data 93 n ofthe specified journey note.

In a next step S227, a variable j is initialized (j=1) to determinewhether or not the variable j exceeds a total number N of the landmarksin a step S231 shown in FIG. 32. This variable j is a variable forcounting a number of the landmarks. That is, in the step S231, the CPU50 determines whether or not the determination processing as to whetheror not the i-th journey note is within a predetermined range withrespect to all the landmarks has been executed.

If “NO” in the step 231, that is, if the variable j is equal to or lessthan the total number N of the landmarks, then in a step S233, a j-thlandmark is specified. For example, the landmark is specified inaccordance with an order registered as the landmark data 92 d in thedata memory area 92, or when the landmark IDs are described by numbersor alphabets, the landmark is specified in accordance with the order. Ina next step S235, whether or not the visit flag of the specifiedlandmark is on is determined. That is, the CPU 50 determines whether ornot the visit flag included in the landmark m data 92 m corresponding tothe specified landmark is on.

If “NO” in the step S235, that is, if the visit flag of the specifiedlandmark is off, the processing goes to a step S245. On the other hand,if “YES” in the step S235, that is, if the visit flag of the specifiedlandmark is on, then in a step S237, the region and the position of thespecified landmark are acquired. That is, the region indicated by theregion information data and the position indicated by the positioninformation data, which are included in the landmark m data 92 mcorresponding to the specified landmark, are acquired.

In a subsequent step S239, whether or not the region of the specifiedlandmark (j-th landmark) and the region of this journey note (i-thjourney note) are identical is determined. That is, the CPU 50determines whether or not the region acquired in the step S225 and theregion acquired in the step S237 are identical. If “NO” in the stepS239, that is, if the region of the specified landmark and the region ofthis journey note are different, the processing goes to the step S245 asit is.

On the other hand, if “YES” in the step S239, that is, if the region ofthe specified landmark and the region of this journey note coincide witheach other, then in a step S241, whether or not the specified landmarkis in the predetermined range from this journey note is determined. Thatis, the CPU 50 determines whether or not a distance between the positionacquired in the step S225 and the position acquired in the step S237 isshorter than a radius defining the predetermined range.

If “NO” in the step S241, that is, if the specified landmark is notwithin the predetermined range from this journey note, the processinggoes to the step S245 as it is. On the other hand, if “YES” in the stepS241, that is, if the specified landmark is within the predeterminedrange from this journey note, then in a step S243, the specifiedlandmark is extracted as the landmark in the predetermined range withrespect to this journey note, and the processing goes to the step S245.In the step S243, the specified landmark is extracted, and at the sametime, the distance between the specified landmark and this journey noteis also extracted. That is, the i-th journey note and the j-th landmarkare associated with each other.

In the step S245, 1 is added to the variable j (j=j+1), and theprocessing returns to the step S231. That is, the landmark issequentially specified to determine whether or not it is within thepredetermined range with respect to the journey note.

Moreover, If “YES” in the step S231, that is, if the variable j exceedsthe total number N of the landmarks, then in a step S247 shown in FIG.33, the landmark closest to this journey note of the landmarks extractedas the landmarks within the predetermined range with respect to thisjourney note is set as the landmark associated with this journey note.That is, the CPU 50 sets, as the landmark associated with this journeynote, the landmark in which the distance extracted in the step S243 is ashortest distance. Thus, even if a plurality of landmarks exist withinthe predetermined range of one journey note, one landmark is associatedwith the relevant one journey note.

In a step S249, whether or not the set landmark has already been in thereproduction list is determined. Here, the CPU 50, with reference to thereproduction list data 92 g stored in the data memory area 92,determines whether or not the landmark ID indicated the landmark ID dataof the set landmark is described in the reproduction list.

If “NO” in the step S249, that is, if the set landmark is not in thereproduction list, then in a step S251, the set landmark is insertedbefore this journey note, and in a step S255, 1 is added to the variablei (i=i+1), and then, the processing returns to the step S221 shown inFIG. 31. That is, the processing of the association of the next journeynote with the landmark is executed. On the other hand, if “YES” in thestep S249, that is, if the set landmark has already been in thereproduction list, then in a step S253, this journey note is moved justbehind the other journey notes arranged after the set landmark in thereproduction list, and the processing goes to the step S255. That is, bythe processing in the step S253, reproducing the same landmark aplurality of times can be avoided.

Referring back to FIG. 31, if “YES” in the step S221, that is, if thevariable i exceeds the total number M of the listed-up journey notes,then in a step S229, the landmarks not associated with any of thejourney notes are extracted, and the processing goes to a step S257shown in FIG. 34. That is, in the step S229, the CPU 50 extracts thelandmark from which no journey note exists within the predeterminedrange.

As shown in FIG. 34, in the step S257, an initial value is set for avariable k (k=1). This variable k is a variable for counting a number ofthe landmarks extracted in the step S229. In a next step S259, whetheror not the variable k exceeds a total number Q of the extractedlandmarks is determined. Here, the CPU 50 determines whether or notdetermination processing as to whether or not the user visited has beenperformed with respect to all the landmarks not associated with any ofthe journey notes.

If “NO” in the step S259, that is, if the variable k is equal to or lessthan the total number Q of the extracted landmarks, then in a step S261,the k-th landmark is specified. This processing in the step S261 is thesame as the above-described processing in the step S233. In a next stepS263, whether or not the visit flag of the specified landmark is on isdetermined.

If “NO” in the step S263, that is, if the visit flag of the specifiedlandmark is off, the processing goes to a step S273 as it is. On theother hand, if “YES” in the step S263, that is, if the visit flag of thespecified landmark is on, then in a step S265, the region of thespecified landmark is acquired. That is, the region indicated by theregion information data included in the landmark m data 92 mcorresponding to the specified landmark is acquired.

Subsequently, in a step S267, whether or not the acquired region hasalready existed in the reproduction list is determined. That is, the CPU50 determines whether or not the title page ID of the acquired region isdescribed in the reproduction list with reference to the reproductionlist data 92 g stored in the data memory area 92. If “YES” in the stepS267, that is, if the acquired region has already existed in thereproduction list, then in a step S269, this landmark is added to thetail of the region in the reproduction list, and in the step S273, 1 isadded to the variable k (k=k+1), and then the processing returns to thestep S259. That is, in the step S269, the CPU 50 inserts the landmark IDof the k-th landmark into the tail of the landmark IDs and the journeynote IDs following the title page ID of the region acquired in the stepS265 in the reproduction list.

On the other hand, if “NO” in the step S267, that is, if the acquiredregion does not exist in the reproduction list, then in a step S271,this landmark is added to the tail of the reproduction list, and theprocessing goes to the step S273. That is, in the step S271, the CPU 50inserts the landmark ID of the k-th landmark to the tail of thereproduction list.

Moreover, if “YES” in the step S259, that is, if the variable k exceedsthe total number Q of the extracted landmarks, then in a step S275 shownin FIG. 35, the journey notes with no position information areextracted. That is, the CPU 50 extracts the journey note IDs of thejourney note n data 93 n with NULL data described as the positioninformation data. That is, the journey notes not attached to the map areextracted. Since for the journey notes not attached to the map, theregion information thereof is not set, either, the journey notes with noregion information may be extracted in the step S275.

In a subsequent step S277, the journey notes extracted in the step S275are arranged in time and date order. In the embodiment, the journey noteIDs are rearranged in order of earlier (older) time and date indicatedby the time and date information data of the extracted journey notes. Ina next step S279, all the journey note IDs rearranged in the step S277are added to the tail of the reproduction list. In a step S281, theslide show is executed in accordance with the created reproduction list,and the processing returns to the overall processing.

Although a detailed description is omitted, in the step S281, the imagedata indicated by the identification information (title page IDs,landmark IDs, journey note IDs) is read out in order from the head ofthe reproduction list (in order of index number) to be displayed on thefirst LCD 16. For example, when the user does not perform any operation,the display of the image data is updated at time intervals of 3 seconds.However, when any one of the button images 710 to 716 is turned on onthe slide reproduction screen 700 during the execution of the slideshow, in response, the reproduction is paused, the reproduction isrestarted, the slide is returned to the last image (slide), or advancedto the next slide, or the reproduction of the slides is started at thebeginning. However, when the button image 718 is turned on, thereproduction of the slides is finished, and the memory-of-journey screen600 is displayed on the first LCD 16 and the second LCD 18.

According to this embodiment, since when the slides are reproduced,after the image of the landmark existing within the predetermined rangeis displayed, the images of the journey notes are displayed on a basisof the region, where the journey notes are photographed or created canbe easily recalled.

While in this embodiment, the photographing images and the handwritingimages are recorded as the journey notes to be reproduced in the slideshow, voice notes may be recorded as the journey notes. In such a case,at the time of the reproduction of the slide show, the reproduction listincluding the voice notes may be created by a method described in theembodiment, and the voice notes may be outputted from the speaker inplace of the display of the images of the journey notes.

Moreover, in this embodiment, while in order to reproduce the slides ona basis of region, the image of the title page is displayed at the headof each of the regions, basically, the images of the journey notes aredisplayed after the image of the landmark, and thus, the image of therelevant title page may not be displayed.

Furthermore, while in this embodiment, the images of the journey notesare reproduced in order of earlier (older) time and date, the images maybe reproduced in order of later (newer) time and date. Similarly, whilein this embodiment, the images of the journey notes within thepredetermined range are displayed next to the image of the landmark, theorder may be reversed.

Furthermore, while in this embodiment, all the images of the landmarksassociated with the journey notes and the landmarks that user visitedare displayed, the images of the landmarks not associated with thejourney notes may not be reproduced.

Moreover, while in this embodiment, the image of the landmark that theuser did not visit is not reproduced, this landmark may be reproduced.That is, the images of all the landmarks may be reproduced. In such acase, for example, between the processing in the step S279 and theprocessing in the step S281, processing of adding all the landmark IDsnot described (registered) in the reproduction list to the tail of thereproduction list may be executed.

Furthermore, while in this embodiment, the images of the landmarks arereproduced only once, when one landmark is associated with a pluralityof journey notes, the journey notes may be reproduced in accordance withthe time and date information, and the image of the relevant landmarkmay be reproduced before the images of the associated journey notes arereproduced. That is, the image of the one landmark may be reproduced aplurality of times.

Furthermore, while in this embodiment, the photographing images and thehandwriting images of the journey notes are recorded and reproduced, theinvention does not need to be limited to this. For example, an imageobtained by drawing the handwriting image on the photographing image maybe recorded and reproduced.

Moreover, while in this embodiment, the case where the portable gameapparatus is used is described, another information processing apparatussuch as a stationary game apparatus and a computer with a game functioncan be used. In such cases, images taken by a digital camera or the likemay be loaded on the information processing apparatus such as thestationary game apparatus, handwriting images may be created using theinformation processing apparatus such as the stationary game apparatus,or handwriting images created by another computer or the like may beloaded on the information processing apparatus such as the stationarygame apparatus from the relevant other computer or a network.

Furthermore, while in this embodiment, the position information set inthe map is used, for the position information of the journey note, theuser may input a latitude and a longitude. Moreover, when the gameapparatus has a GPS function, a latitude and a longitude may be acquiredfrom a GPS.

Moreover, while in this embodiment, a time when one slide (each of theimages of the title pages, landmarks, and journey notes) is displayed isfixed regardless of the type (title page, landmark, journey note), thetime of the display may be varied depending on the type.

Furthermore, while in this embodiment, the handwritten note is inputtedby so-called freehand using the touch pen, the present invention doesnot need to be limited to this. For example, an image of a keyboard maybe displayed so that letters may be inputted using this image of thekeyboard, or so that prepared symbols and graphics other than lettersmay be inputted.

Still further, the configuration of the game apparatus does not need tobe limited to the embodiment. For example, a single display apparatus(LCD) and a single camera may be employed. The touch panel may beomitted. Furthermore, the touch panels may be provided on the two LCDs.

Although certain example embodiments have been described and illustratedin detail, it is clearly understood that the same is by way ofillustration and example only and is not to be taken by way oflimitation, the spirit and scope of the present invention being limitedonly by the terms of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A non-transitory computer readable storage mediumstoring an information processing program of an information processingapparatus that includes a display device, an input device, a processingsystem that includes at least one processor, and a storage systemconfigured to store a plurality of pieces of landmark information, eachone of the plurality of pieces of landmark information having associatedlandmark position information, said information processing programcomprising instructions configured to: receive first image data inaccordance with an operation performed via the input device, the firstimage data among a plurality of image data; set position information inaccordance with the received first image data, where each one of theplurality of image data is associated with set position information;select relevant landmark information out of the plurality of pieces oflandmark information based on the set position information of saidreceived first image data and the associated landmark position of theselected relevant landmark information; determine a display order forthe plurality of image data based on comparisons of landmark positioninformation of the plurality of pieces of landmark information to theset position information associated with each one of the plurality ofimage data; and sequentially display, to the display device, theplurality of image data and at least the selected landmark informationin accordance with the determined display order.
 2. The medium of claim1, wherein the set position information of said received first imagedata is associated with a first position, and wherein the selectedrelevant landmark information is selected when the first position iswithin a distance range of the associated landmark position of theselected relevant landmark information.
 3. The medium of claim 2,wherein a distance difference between the first position and associatedlandmark position of the selected relevant landmark information isshorter than other distance differences.
 4. The medium of claim 1,wherein an image corresponding to said image data is displayed aftersaid selected landmark information.
 5. The medium of claim 4, whereinthe image is displayed after the selected landmark information isdisplayed when a first position indicated by the position information ofanother image data and a second position indicated by the associatedlandmark position of the landmark information are within a predeterminedrange.
 6. The medium of claim 4, wherein the image corresponding to saidimage data is displayed after displaying an image corresponding to therelevant another image data when a first position indicated by theposition information of another image data and a second positionindicated by the associated landmark position of the landmarkinformation are within a range.
 7. The medium of claim 1, wherein: thedetermined display order includes the display of the selected relevantlandmark information before the first image data when a first positionindicated by the position information of said first image data and asecond position indicated by the associated landmark positioninformation of said landmark information are within a range, and thedetermined display order includes the display of the selected relevantlandmark information after the first image data when the first positionand the second position are out of the range.
 8. The medium of claim 1,wherein the instructions are further configured to: set whether or noteach landmark was visited in accordance with an operation performed viathe input device; and the selected landmark information is further basedon whether or not the landmark was visited.
 9. The medium of claim 1,wherein the instructions are further configured to: set time and dateinformation for the first image data, wherein the determined displayorder is further based on following said time and date information; anddisplay an image corresponding to said first image data and saidselected relevant landmark information in the determined display order.10. The medium of claim 1, wherein the instructions are furtherconfigured to: display a map; and set a position on said map based on aninput operation from the input device, where the position on the map isthe set position information of said first image data.
 11. Claim 1,wherein the information processing apparatus further includes an imagerand the received first image data is received in accordance with animage taken by the imager.
 12. The medium of claim 1, wherein theinstructions are further configured to: create a letter, graphic, and/orsymbol in accordance with an operation of the input device; and receiveother image data in accordance with the operation.
 13. An informationprocessing apparatus comprising: an input device configured to receiveinput from a user; an imager configured to obtain first image data inaccordance with an operation of an input device; and a processing systemincluding at least one processor, the processing system configured to:associate positional information with the obtained first image data;select at least one relevant landmark based on the positionalinformation associated with the first image data and positionalinformation of a plurality of potential landmarks; determine a displayorder for a plurality of image data, which includes the first imagedata, based on a comparison of positional information of the pluralityof potential landmarks to associated positional information of each oneof the plurality of image data; and output, for display on a displaydevice, the plurality of image data and the selected at least onerelevant landmark based on the determined display order.
 14. Acomputer-implemented information processing method for organizing imagesand landmark information performed using at least one processor, themethod comprising: obtaining a plurality of images that includes a firstimage, where each one of the plurality of images is associated withrespective position information; selecting, using the at least oneprocessor, relevant landmark information for the first image based onlandmark positional information of the relevant landmark information andthe set position information for at least the first image, the relevantlandmark information among a plurality of landmark information;comparing, using the at least one processor, the respective positioninformation of the plurality of images to the landmark positionalinformation of the plurality of landmark information; determining, usingthe at least one processor, a display order based on the comparedrespective position information of the plurality of images to thelandmark positional information; and outputting at least said firstimage data and the selected relevant landmark information based on thedetermined display order.
 15. A computing system for presenting imagesto a user, the system comprising: an input device configured to receiveuser input from a user; a non-transitory storage system configured tostore: a plurality of informational landmark content, where each one ofthe plurality is associated with a respective landmark; landmarkpositional information associated with each one of the plurality ofinformational landmark content; and a plurality of images; and aprocessing system that includes at least one processor, the processingsystem configured to: receive a first image in accordance with firstuser input received via the input device, the first image included amongthe plurality of images; associate first positional information with thefirst image; select relevant informational landmark content from theplurality of informational landmark content based on the landmarkpositional information of the relevant information landmark content andthe associated first positional information of the first image; performa comparison between associated positional information of each one ofthe plurality of images to the landmark positional informationassociated with each one of the plurality informational landmarkcontent; determine a display order based on the comparison; and output adisplay presentation of the plurality of images and at least theselected relevant informational landmark content based on the determineddisplay order.
 16. The system of claim 15, wherein the relevantinformational landmark content is selected based on a distance between afirst portion that is in accordance with the landmark positionalinformation of the relevant information landmark content and a secondposition that is in accordance with the associated first positionalinformation.
 17. The system of claim 16, wherein the distance is lessthan distances between the associated first positional information andthe landmark positional information of the other information landmarkcontent.
 18. The system of claim 15, wherein the processing system isfurther configured to set a visited value for each one of the pluralityof informational landmark content, wherein the selected relevantinformational landmark content is further based on the visited value ofthe selected relevant informational landmark content.
 19. The system ofclaim 15, further comprising: at least one camera that is configured toacquire at least the first image in accordance with the first userinput.